Concerning fire spike in Falkirk

Firefighters across the Falkirk area are urging communities to reach out for vital fire safety advice - following a recent spike in fires across the region.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service offers free home fire safety visits throughout Scotland.

During a visit, firefighters can identify potential hazards, pass on vital safety advice and install free smoke alarms.

David Lockhart is Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's Local Senior Officer for Falkirk.

Emphasising the importance of the scheme, he said: “Home fire safety visits allow firefighters to help keep people safe within their homes.

"We are keen to pass on potentially life-saving advice to everyone, but are particularly keen to meet with the more elderly and vulnerable members of our communities.

"Ultimately, these visits allow us to support people to live independently in their homes."

The public appeal comes after a string of high profile house fires across the area - including the tragic deaths of a lady in a house fire on 13 May and a gentleman in a house fire on July 6.

LSO Lockhart said, "Our thoughts and condolences remain firmly with the family and friends of those who tragically died - and with all of those impacted by these incidents. 

"We have worked tirelessly to reduce accidental dwelling fires across Scotland, but one incident is, of course, is one too many.

"We are acutely aware of the importance of our role in helping people remain safe within their homes and are passionate about our prevention efforts.

"As an organisation we exist to help keep our communities safe and that is why I cannot stress enough the value of organising a home fire safety visit. 

"They are the cornerstone of our prevention efforts."