Fire chiefs issue festive safety warning

Firefighters are normally busy over the festive period with more house fires in December and January than at any other time of year, but those called to tackle these incidents know many could be prevented by taking simple precautions.

Chief officer Alasdair Hay said: “We want everyone celebrating over the festive period to have a great time that can be remembered for all the right reasons.

“Everyone needs to be aware of the increased risks at this time of year, so we can all take action to prevent fire striking in our homes and those of people close to us.

“We know that 60 per cent of accidental house fires across Scotland are caused by cooking appliances and the risk is magnified at this time of year, when many people will be under the influence of alcohol.

“The fact is that alcohol and cooking are a potentially lethal combination. Anyone who is cooking after having had a drink must be aware of the risk and take extreme care.

“Firefighters have seen too many tragedies where someone has been killed or seriously injured as a result of a house fire that should never have happened.”

People are being encouraged to have working smoke alarms in their homes which will alert them and give time to react safely and sensibly and to consider a heat alarm in the kitchen.

To arrange a free home fire safety visit, call freephone 0800 0731 999, contact your local fire station, or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk.

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