Fire tour comes to Dumfries
Written by author on January 25, 2011
Shoppers in Dumfries and Galloway will come face to face with the stark reality of fire this week as a nationwide fire safety tour rolls into town.
Starting at Loreburne Shopping Centre in Dumfries, the contents of a burnt out living room will be toured to shopping venues across Dumfries and Galloway this week to highlight just how devastating a fire can be, and urge shoppers to ensure their homes are properly protected.
Locals are being warned to take extra care in light of the recent fatal fire incidents across Scotland during the festive period, in which six people lost their lives in house fires and many others were injured.
Fire crews will be on hand to provide fire safety advice and passers by will be encouraged to sign up for a free Home Fire Safety Visit – a 20 minute visit which involves firefighters checking the home for hazards and fitting free smoke alarms if required.
In 2008-9, there were 144 house fires in Dumfries and Galloway and two people lost their lives, with 31 people hurt or injured.
Jim Waugh, Fire Safety Manager, Dumfries and Galloway Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“The Service is happy to support this initiative and urge members of the public to take up the offer of the free home fire safety check. Having a working smoke alarm saves lives as an early warning of fire allows occupants of a property to leave the building safely and reduces the risks of being overcome with smoke.
“The Service will arrange a visit at a time that suits you, fit a free 10 year battery smoke alarm and give good practical advice about fire safety matters in the home. The consequences of not having a smoke alarm can be fatal so please take up this offer and arrange a visit.”
Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing said:
“Although the number of fire related deaths fell last year, sadly as we have seen over the festive period, too many families are still suffering the tragedy of a loved one being lost through fire. That is why the Scottish Government and Fire Services are working hard to educate people about the dangers of fire. The most important message we would give is to not be complacent, always be on your guard, and to regularly check your smoke alarm to ensure that it is in working order – it can save lives.
“Our campaigns are raising awareness of the risks, be it smoking, alcohol consumption, misuse of electrical appliances or overloading electrical sockets, but more can be done and I encourage all members of the public to take fire safety seriously.
“This tour will take this vital safety message directly out into Dumfries and Galloway communities, offering people practical advice on how they can keep their homes and families safe from fire. We know that certain groups, such as the elderly, those living in deprivation, people with mental health or mobility issues, are most at risk from fire. These events will allow fire service professionals to engage directly with them and offer home fire safety visits to further reduce the likelihood of fire breaking out.”
Of the 6,705 fires in the home, which occurred in Scotland in 2008-9, over a third didn’t have a smoke alarm installed. In the same year, 54 people lost their lives in house fires, 40 per cent of which did not have a smoke alarm. Over 1,400 people were hurt or injured and in over 31 per cent of these cases a smoke alarm was absent.
People can text FIRE to 61611 to request a free Home Fire Safety Visit or visit www.dontgivefireahome.com
