This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Fire services annual report
22/11/2005
The annual fire services report was published today.
It shows a seven per cent decrease in the number of fire deaths during the past year. However, over the same period fire deaths in the home increased by 28 per cent, from 58 to 74.
Of these deaths, the most common cause - 43 per cent - was smoking materials such as cigarettes, lighters or ashtrays. In more than 43 per cent of cases alcohol was a contributory factor and in more than 50 per cent of cases there was no operational smoke alarm in the home.
The report, which covers the period April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005, also finds that:
- Overall there has been a 13 per cent drop in the number of emergency incidents - which have fallen from 124,409 to 108,478
- Injuries sustained by firefighters continue a downward trend, having fallen from 884 to 830
- Attacks on fire crews have fallen from 388 to 226
- More members of under-represented groups have been attracted to the service since the Scottish Executive revoked regulations restricting appointments and promotions
- There has been major and sustained investment in equipment, training and resources for the protection of communities from disasters, terrorist attacks and natural catastrophes
- Fire and Rescue Services have successfully achieved the milestones set by the Scottish Executive in terms of the modernisation agenda.
Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Fire Services Jeff Ord said:
"While I welcome the decrease in overall fire deaths, I am saddened to see an increase in the number of lives lost to household fires. Every fire death is a tragedy, and in many cases a tragedy that could have been avoided had a smoke alarm been fitted or maintained in working order in these homes.
"That is why the Fire and Rescue Services, in partnership with the Scottish Executive, are working on a number of initiatives aimed at fire prevention, including plans to purchase and install 10-year-life smoke detectors in homes on request.
"But when fires do start firefighters risk their lives in order to protect the public. Attacks on fire crews are entirely unacceptable and I am pleased to see a reduction in the number of violent incidents and welcome th partnership approach taken by the Fire and Rescue Services, youth agencies and the Scottish Executive to eradicate this disgraceful, mindless behaviour.
"There are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of the fire service. Increased diversity is one reason for optimism. Since the Fire and Rescue Services were released from inhibiting recruitment and promotion regulations, posts have been opened up to competition from all groups. This has resulted in an improved trend in attracting members of under-represented groups and has allowed key posts to be opened up to non-uniformed staff.
"Increased diversity allows fire services to better reflect the communities they serve, has brought highly experienced and specialist staff into position and enables uniformed staff to focus on improving service delivery and promoting safer communities."
The report covers Scotland's eight fire service authorities.
The main aims of the inspectorate are to support, assist and, where appropriate or necessary, robustly challenge fire authorities and their services in relation to the modernisation agenda.