Group to help reduce fire deaths

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7704830.stm

Version 0 of 1.

A working group is to be set up in a bid to cut the number of fire deaths in Scotland, Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing has announced.

Brian Sweeney, the chief officer for Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, is to chair the new group.

It will examine ways to target how deaths and injuries could be reduced.

The move to establish the group comes after recent figures showed a 62% increase in fire deaths in Scotland last year.

A total of 73 people were killed in fires in 2007-08, compared to 45 the previous year.

The figures, contained in the Fire Services annual report, also revealed alcohol was a contributory factor in about 41% of fatal house fires.

And the number of injuries from fires in Scotland increased by 6% to 1,547 compared to 1,453 the previous year.

Mr Ewing has asked the new working group to address and co-ordinate efforts to reduce avoidable fire deaths and injuries.

The increases in fire fatalities and injuries clearly show that more needs to be done Fergus Ewing It will consider how the Scottish Government and local councils can work together to improve community safety across Scotland, along with how factors such as substance abuse and wilful fire-raising contribute to the problem.

Mr Ewing said he recognised the vital work carried out on fire safety and prevention.

He added: "The increases in fire fatalities and injuries clearly show that more needs to be done."

"Clearly the issue is not isolated to fire services, but must be viewed in a wider context - recognising the role of societal problems such as drugs and alcohol misuse and anti-social behaviour.

"That's why I've brought together the necessary people for this working group to identify a co-ordinated, strategic response to this very serious issue.

"We can identify what works and what multi-agency action is needed to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries."