Fire Deaths Down

Fire deaths in Strathclyde fell by 23 per cent in 2008-2009.

During that period 27 people died in fires compared to 35 in 2007-2008. The average number of fire deaths in Strathclyde between 1998-2008 was 40.

Commenting on the figures, Brian Sweeney, Chief Officer of Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, said: "Although this is a significant reduction, more has to be done to continue this downward trend.

"Once again, fire has targeted those in our communities who suffer poor health, are older or live alone. We must continue to ensure that support and assistance is made available to these particular groups."

The figures form part of  the 2008-2009 Fatal Incident Analysis report presented today by Mr Sweeney to the Board of Strathclyde Fire & Rescue.

All of the 27 deaths occurred in the home. Mr Sweeney highlighted the fact that the most common place in the house for fire deaths was the bedroom (10 deaths) followed by the kitchen (8) and the lounge (7).

Mr Sweeney said: "People now spend more time in the bedroom watching television and eating meals so there is just as much a reason to install smoke detectors in bedrooms as in the kitchen or the hallway."

Nine of the deaths were classed as non-preventable, including six that involved fires started deliberately.

Of the 18 preventable deaths, smoker's materials such as cigarettes were contributory factors in 14 deaths and cooking appliances factors in four.

Smoke detection was installed in houses where 17 of the preventable deaths occurred, but the alarm was raised on only five occasions.  It would appear that in the 12 other cases detectors had not been maintained or had their batteries removed.

Smoking, living alone and mobility problems were each factors in 13 deaths, closely followed by alcohol (9) and infirmity or advanced age (9).

Fire deaths by area were West Dunbartonshire (5), Glasgow,  North Lanarkshire and South Ayrshire, four in each area; Renfrewshire (3);  East Ayrshire and North Ayrshire, two in each area; and East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire, one in each area.