A DROP in accidental house fires across Barrhead and East Renfrewshire has been linked to firefighter efforts to help people stay safe.

Latest figures reveal a total of 13 such incidents were reported between October and December, 2016 – two fewer than in 2015.

The number of fire-related injuries also fell by 75 per cent from four to just a single casualty reported.

Firefighters carried out 435 free Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV) over the reporting period.

They shared advice with residents to help them recognise risks and find out what to do in the event of a fire, and also checked or installed smoke detectors.

Over 25 per cent of these visits were carried out at the homes of vulnerable people in need of assistance.

Local Senior Officer for East Renfrewshire, David Proctor, presented the findings of his third quarter report to the East Renfrewshire Cabinet on Thursday, February 23. He praised the reductions but added he and his team remain committed to making communities safer.

He said: “Although these reductions are welcomed we are absolutely determined to improve fire safety for everyone in East Renfrewshire.

“A crucial part of this ongoing effort is our Home Fire Safety Visits, which are open to anyone and completely free of charge.

“As a result of this activity, I’m pleased to say we’ve seen a decrease in the number of accidental house fires reported and in the number of people injured.”

The report also revealed a fall in both non-domestic fires and deliberate secondary fires.

Fire crews were alerted to six reports of non-domestic fires signalling a decrease of more than 30 per cent on the previous year when the figure stood at nine.

A total of 21 deliberate secondary fires were recorded – four fewer than in the same period in 2015.

Anti-social behaviour is linked to secondary fires and the service works closely with its partner agencies, such as Police Scotland, to reduce this issue and keep communities safe.

On the run up to Bonfire Night, the SFRS’ Community Action Team delivered firework safety advice in all secondary schools in East Renfrewshire - working with nearly 2000 pupils and staff.

LSO Proctor added: “A great deal of work has gone into identifying and addressing anti-social behaviour in our communities.

“This is an ongoing effort but I’m pleased to note there were no acts of violence recorded in East Renfrewshire over the Bonfire period.

“Whilst we always have the resources needed to respond to any emergency, having to attend needless incidents can delay crews who may be needed elsewhere.

“Deliberate fires have the potential to cause harm, threaten properties, damage the environment and disrupt the community.

“We would ask the public to be vigilant and to report any sign of fire raising activity to the police. To those responsible, we would urge them to consider the impact their reckless actions might have.”

If you want to book a Home Fire Safety Visit then call the SFRS on the freephone number 0800 073 1999. by texting ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or by filling in a form at www.firescotland.gov.uk