BLAZE STATS

Over 500 Scottish homes ravaged by fire during 2018 Christmas period as SFRS warns of danger of cooking while drunk

MORE than 500 Scottish homes were ravaged and four people killed by fire during the festive season last year.

The worrying statistics were released today by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service as they launched their winter safety campaign.

Blaze bosses have also commissioned a nationwide TV advert highlighting the dangers of cooking while drunk.

The Christmas period is usually one of the busiest times of year for the SFRS.

The rise in incidents is often caused by an increase in use of heating, candles and electrical appliances - and can be linked to higher alcohol consumption.

A total of 509 domestic fires were recorded in Scotland between December 10 2018 and January 14 2019 - with 91 people injured in the blazes while four people died.

More than 40 per cent of the casualties were aged 60 or over.

Glasgow was the worst hit area with 93 domestic blazes - more than double that of Edinburgh, which is next on the list with 39.

Assistant Chief Officer Ross Haggart, SFRS Director of Prevention and Protection, said: “Ultimately, we want people to remember the festive period for all the right reasons.

“When our firefighters have to attend a fire in someone’s house at Christmas time, and we enter a house which is burning but full of Christmas presents and decorations – it’s heartbreaking.

“But unfortunately, the festive period sees potentially deadly combinations come together – increased use of electricity, drinking alcohol and cooking, decorations being put up near heat sources.

“It’s all too easy to think that it will never happen to you - but it can.

SCOTTISH HOUSE FIRES - CHRISTMAS 2018

Glasgow - 93

Edinburgh - 39

Angus, Dundee and Perth & Kinross - 38

East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire - 38

Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife - 36

Argyll & Bute, East Dunbartonshire and West Dunbartonshire - 33

North Lanarkshire - 33

Aberdeen - 30

Falkirk and West Lothian - 30

Aberdeenshire and Moray - 28

South Lanarkshire - 26

Ayrshire - 25

East Lothian, Midlothian and Borders - 24

Highlands - 20

Dumfries & Galloway - 11

Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland - 5

“That’s why we are appealing to communities across Scotland – don’t let Christmas end, or your New Year start, with tragedy.”

Cooking is still the main cause of house fires in Scotland - and it can become more dangerous when twinned with boozing.

ACO Haggart said: “When it comes to celebrating and marking the occasion – please do not drink, then attempt to cook.

“Cooking remains the number one cause of house fires in Scotland and often alcohol is a contributing factor, especially during this period.

“Consider making something beforehand and have it prepared, or wait until you are no longer affected by alcohol.”

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “While we want people to be able to celebrate and relax over the festive period, it is extremely important that they also keep themselves and others safe.

"For that reason I’d urge people to follow the advice of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and act responsibly.”

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.

For more advice on how to keep yourself and your home safe from fire during winter visit www.firescotland.gov.uk/winter.