PEOPLE getting distracted while cooking is the most common cause of fire in East Ayrshire and the area’s senior fire and rescue officer has called on everyone to recognise the risks before tragedy strikes.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews were called to 33 accidental house fires in East Ayrshire between April 1 and June 30 this year, two-thirds of which started in the kitchen.

Area Manager Jim Scott – the SFRS local senior officer for East, North and South Ayrshire – said: “We all need to recognise fire can happen to any of us and understand that a moment’s distraction while we’re cooking could have tragic consequences.

“The few seconds it takes to answer a knock at the door to pick up a ringing phone are more than enough time for a potentially serious fire to start.

“It’s incredibly easy to get distracted so we all need to get into the habit of doing the very simple things that dramatically reduce the chance of a kitchen fire happening in our home.

“Whenever we step away from a cooker, even if it’s only for a moment, it’s important to first take any pots and pans off the heat and to turn off the hob and the grill.” Ten people were injured in seven house fires during the three months leading up to July. Slight smoke inhalation was the most common injury and five of the casualties were taken to hospital for minor treatment.

Firefighters identified the presence of working smoke alarms as being key to preventing more serious injuries and in allowing crews to extinguish the majority of fires before they could spread.

Area Manager Scott explained: “Of the 33 house fires in East Ayrshire almost two-thirds required no direct firefighting intervention.

“It should be no surprise that 24 of the properties affected had working smoke alarms in place, which meant people had early warning of the emerging danger and could quickly get to safety.

“This is a powerful reminder that working smoke alarms are absolutely vital devices that are key to escaping a fire.

“Even the smallest fire in a pot will produce toxic smoke and this will rapidly move through other rooms, endangering life and causing damage to property.

“Working smoke alarms buy the time needed for people to get out and call 999. This also helps our crews get there in time to tackle the fire before smoke, heat and flames cause significant damage to the home and the treasured possessions inside.” As well as smoke alarms, householders can give their homes added protection by fitting heat alarms within their kitchen. These devices provide early warning of fire without activating due to smoke produced as a result of cooking.

In the aftermath of any accidental house fire in East Ayrshire, crews from the area’s community fire stations attempt to raise awareness of risks among residents and provide householders with advice and support.

Between 1 April and 30 June SFRS crews conducted 424 free home fire safety visits in East Ayrshire, 43 of which were carried out following house fires.

The short visits are done by local firefighters and arranged at a time convenient for the householder.

Area Manager Scott added: “This is an exceptionally popular programme that delivers real benefit to residents in all our communities, but we want to reach everyone who could use this service.

“Fires can happen to absolutely anyone but we also know that older people, people who have physical or mental health problems, and people who misuse alcohol or drugs are more likely to experience a fire within the home.

“I would encourage everyone to consider if they know someone who could be at increased risk and, if they do, then discuss fire safety with the person and put them in touch with us.” Free home fire safety visits are a central pillar of the Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire campaign and are easy to arrange.

While conducting the visits, SFRS crews will fit free smoke alarms where they are needed.

Anyone can arrange a visit by calling the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999, texting 'check’ to 61611, or by filling out a form at www.firescotland.gov.uk