Waging war on winter fire

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service chief John Miller is urging Cumbernauld and Kilsyth residents tofight the threat of fire this winter.

He said:“Last year of the 259 accidental house fires across North Lanarkshire 65 per cent involved cooking, and this risk is magnified over the festive period, when many people will be under the influence of alcohol.

“The fact is that alcohol and cooking are a potentially lethal combination. Never cook hot food while under the influence of alcohol.”

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He added: “Most fatal fires are caused by smoker’s materials. Don’t smoke in your chair or bed if you’ve been drinking or you’re feeling tired.

“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.”

He added: “We are also encouraging members of the public to look out for someone they know to be at risk – perhaps an elderly relative, friend or neighbour who may live alone – and advise them of the home fire safety service provided by SFRS.”

SFRS head of preventionPaul Devlin in North Lanarkshire said: “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.

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“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.”

“This can be arranged by making contact with your local community fire station or calling our freephone number 0800 0731 999.”