THE top five postcode hotspots with the highest number of house fires are in Glasgow and surrounding areas.

They have been mapped according to the number of fires recorded in the past year to illustrate that fire can happen to anyone at any time.

The five worst-hit postcode areas, with more than 70 house fires each, were G20 Maryhill, G21 Springburn, G51 Govan, G81 Clydebank and ML1 Motherwell.

The stats were revealed as the Evening Times and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue's FireSafety Campaign continues to urge communities to take action and prevent fire.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, below, said: "Fire can happen to anyone at anytime, and we're urging people across Strathclyde to make fire safety a priority this winter by installing and regularly checking their smoke alarms.

"Working smoke alarms are the most effective way of providing early warning of the onset of fire, and too often, we attend fires where smoke alarms are absent or not working.

"They can make all the difference should the worst happen, and we would encourage anyone concerned to request a Home Fire Safety Visit today."

Roseanna Cunningham, minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, said: "While the number of house fires in Scotland is at its lowest in a decade, this map shows no region of Scotland is untouched by the dangers of fire, and underlines the importance of keeping your family safe from the risks.

"As we approach December, we want everybody to enjoy the festivities this and every year in a way which is safe from the dangers of fire."

She continued: "The Scottish Government, the Fire and Rescue Services and our partners continue to work hard educating people about the dangers of fire, and the most important message we can give is never be complacent and always be on your guard, particularly when smoking or drinking alcohol.

"We know smoking and drinking are causes for a considerable number of fires in Scotland.

"Smoking materials and matches were the primary cause for more than one in 12 accidental house fires in 2011/12, while we also know alcohol and/or drugs was suspected to be a factor in at least one in six accidental house fires."

ewan.fergus@eveningtimes.co.uk

STRATHCLYDE Fire & Rescue is urging members of the public to "Join The Fight Against Fire."

The campaign aims to highlight how the organisation can support older people – helping them to live in their own homes safely – by delivering tailored fire-safe solutions.

They also want to encourage people to keep themselves, their neighbours and their communities safe.

Call 0800 0731 999 or text CHECK to 61611 for more information.