THE number of people injured as a result of fire in East Ayrshire has dropped by 13 per cent according to new figures.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) also recorded a decrease in deliberate fires, dropping by 15 per cent compared to the three year average.

But Ayrshire's senior fire chief, Jim Scott says firefighters will continue with relentless efforts to keep the community safe.

There was an increase in accidental dwelling fires – mainly linked to cooking – which can be prevented through Home Fire Safety Visits.

The figures were revealed by the Local Senior Officer during a meeting with the local council yesterday, on Monday November 21.

They showed how, between April 1 and September 30, fire-related casualties decreased to 13 from 15 compared to the same period last year.

Most of these casualties – 69 per cent – were treated at the scene for slight smoke inhalation and did not require rescuing or hospital treatment.

But accidental dwelling fires increased from 49 to 83 - or by 69 per cent.

The vast majority, 78 per cent, were related to cooking.

To prevent such accidental dwelling fires, firefighters conduct Home Fire Safety Visits.

They will visit homes and check or install smoke detectors and give residents advice on what to do in the event of an emergency. They can also offer enhanced or tailored visits to those who are elderly or vulnerable following strong partnership working with healthcare partners.

A total of 588 visits were carried out over the latest reporting period.

Speaking after the meeting, Local Senior Officer (LSO), Jim Scott said: “We look at our statistical intelligence on a regular basis in order to keep our communities safe.

“And where we see evidence of any increase in risk, we will actively seek to reduce that risk by using every available means at our disposal.

“We are pleased to note that fire related casualty figures have reduced but we see that accidental house fires have increased.

“The majority were thankfully minor in nature and linked to cooking but we absolutely do not ever want to be called to a house fire - because we are only too well aware of the devastation they can cause. As a result, we will continue to drive forward with our free Home Fire Safety Visits.

“We encourage everyone to arrange a visit from their local firefighters to ensure that their families are safe.”

Deliberate fires have also decreased by 15 per cent from the three year average – from 387 to 330.

Statistically 93 per cent of fires that were started deliberately were classed as secondary fires, this involves rubbish and refuse.

LSO Scott said: “We continue to work extremely closely with schools and local community partners to highlight the extreme dangers of deliberate fire setting.

“These fires put the community at risk, affect our resources, impact on local businesses and damage the environment.

“In rare cases where they are caused by repeat offenders, we will actively work to identify those responsible for these mindless acts and pass our intelligence onto colleagues in Police Scotland.“

To register for a FREE Home Fire Safety Visit call the SFRS Freephone number on 0800 0731 999, or visit the website at www.firescotland.gov.uk.