Firefighters go pro-active to douse fires this winter

Fire prevention is better than a blaze like this one.

A local authority and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have reminded residents of the importance of looking after the people in their communities who are vulnerable to potential fire hazards during the winter months.

Around 1000 people are injured in fires every year in Scotland and every hour of every day there’s a house fire somewhere in the country.

Now local firefighters are offering a free home fire safety visit so that householders can be better informed about fire safety during the festive period.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service group manager Gordon Pryde said: “It’s about making everyone aware of what they can do to prevent a fire happening in their homes.

‘‘Our firefighters would much rather be visiting people’s homes and providing this service than turning up when a fire has occurred and dealing with the trauma that causes.

‘‘We can all work together to help keep our communities safe this winter.”

Stirling Council’s public safety convenor, Councillor Martin Earl, said: “This is about taking sensible precautions.

‘‘Everyone should have smoke detectors fitted in their home and it’s important to make yourself - and others - aware of how to prevent a fire at home.”

If you or someone you know is vulnerable or may be at risk from fire please get in touch and arrange a free home fire safety visit with local

firefighters by calling 0800 0731 999 or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk.

A wide range of tips on how to keep yourself and your home safe from fire are available on the SFRS website: www.firescotland.gov.uk/winter.