North Lanarkshire families warned to be mindful of fire

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) Group Manager Paul Devlin, Head of Prevention and Prevention for North Lanarkshire, is urging people to join in the fight against fire this winter.

He said: “Within North Lanarkshire sadly house fires are still occurring too often and SFRS are asking local communities to support them in reducing the fire risk by firstly ensuring their homes are fitted with a working smoke detector and secondly giving their homes a fire safety check.

“If anyone doesn’t have a working smoke detector in their home they are at greater risk in the event of a fire within their home and SFRS are here to help. We offer a free home fire safety visit which is straightforward, takes around half an hour and involves an assessment of risk, together with the provision of free smoke alarms and advice to householders and families, as required.”

Last year there were 270 accidental house fires within North Lanarkshire resulting in 78 people being injured and one person died as a result of fire. SFRS are working with partner organisations towards bringing about positive changes with respect home safety as a whole.

Members of the public are also asked to look out for someone they know to be at risk – such as an elderly relative, friend or neighbour who may live alone – and advise them of the home fire safety service.

Home Fire Safety visits contact your local community fire station or call freephone 0800 0731 999. Members of the public can follow the official SFRS Twitter account @scotfire_west and the official SFRS Facebook page.

More festive and winter safety advice is available on the SFRS website: www.firescotland.gov.uk.