Scotland launches high-rise fire safety campaign

Fires in high-rise flats are at their lowest in eight years with statistics released by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) showing a total of 238 incidents reported over 2016/17 in buildings at least ten storeys high. This is a reduction of almost a quarter on the previous year and 261 down on 2009/10, or a reduction of 52 per cent.

Dedicated crews have been working tirelessly to ensure residents stay safe at home, checking and installing smoke detectors and providing advice on what to do in the event of an emergency.

SFRS has launched a national high-rise fire safety campaign, supporting the work of the SFRS to encourage more residents to request a free and dedicated Home Fire Safety Visit and speak to firefighters about their concerns. SFRS assistant chief fire officer David McGown said: “While the overall reduction in the number of incidents is welcome, we are never complacent.

“This campaign will build on the great work already done by SFRS and our partners, and we will continue to work hand-in-hand to reach those who are most vulnerable, and ensure that they know what to do in the event of an emergency.”

In the past year alone, firefighters undertook 70,743 Home Fire Safety Visits which are essential in helping detect risks in the home.

In addition, more than 2,400 operational assurance visits have been carried out at high rise properties.

The SFRS attends at every emergency and has an agreed Standard Operating Procedure in place, which sets out how fires in high-rise premises should be dealt with, utilising appropriate training and equipment, including high reach appliances.

ACO McGown continued: “We routinely carry out operational assurance visits at high rise premises for the purposes of checking facilities and arrangements for firefighting and firefighter safety.

“We stepped up these visits in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and we have specific safety information relating to high rise premises available on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.

“Our firefighters will also be putting leaflets with clear safety advice through doors, meeting with residents on the ground to directly answer their questions and new posters will offer safety advice and where to find information on what to do in the event of an emergency.

“This includes tried and tested national advice, should the fire occur in the flat you are in or elsewhere in the building.

“I would encourage residents to speak to us and let us know if they need support – we are here and able to assist.”

The campaign will also actively target stakeholders and landlords – ensuring that they know where to find fire safety advice and that it is shared with tenants.