THE number of blaze-related deaths, injuries and accidental house fires in Strathclyde have all dropped after a life-saving campaign was launched.

There were 14 fatalities in 2012, against 27 the previous year - down 48%.

There was also a 3% reduction in the number of people injured, while accidental house fires were down 4%, figures from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue show.

However, the service's chief officer, Brian Sweeney, said four deaths over the festive period showed people must "always be aware," of the dangers of fire.

The Evening Times yesterday highlighted the dangers of unattended heating appliances, candles and electric blankets. There were fires in 104 homes throughout the force's area caused by heating equipment, with 23 people injured.

Mr Sweeney said: "As we approach the start of the new Scottish Fire & Rescue Service it is important to take stock of how far we have come over the last 38 years.

"We have never been safer, but as the recent tragedies prove, we must always be aware of the dangers of fire.

"Every fire death is one too many.

"Ten years from now nobody in west Scotland should be dying in a fire."

Figures showed a 14% drop in fire casualties and a 5% drop in accidental house fires between December 1 to January 3 compared to the same period in 2011-12.

However, there were four deaths over the festive period, an increase on the previous year's figures but in line with five-year averages.

There was also a 39% increase in the number of home fire safety visits after a push by the fire service to urge householders to take advantage of the free scheme.

Fire bosses claim the scheme, which sees homes assessed for safety and fitted with smoke alarms, are one of the most important defences against fire.

Last year there were 1948 home fire safety visits, up 544 on 2011.

Strathclyde Fire & Rescue said 25% of these were due to the Join The Fight Against Fire campaign, run in partnership with the Evening Times.

Around 25% of all Home Fire Safety Visits are generated by other agencies, such as housing officers and social workers.

A further 10% of requests are received by frontline crews speaking to people after a fire in the neighbourhood.

Mr Sweeney gave his message ahead of the new Scots fire service becoming operational on April 1.

He said: "In the 1970s and early 1980s, the public were three times more likely to have a house fire and suffer the consequences or, worse, were almost eight or nine times more likely to die in the blaze.

"When Strathclyde Fire Brigade began in the 1970s we were regularly seeing more than 7000 house fires each year, with a death toll often exceeding 100.

"We will continue our efforts and, with the help of the media and public, will work relentlessly in the fight against fire."

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk

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

The campaign, in partnership with the Evening Times, aims to show how the organisation can support older people – helping them to live in their 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

THE number of blaze-related deaths, injuries and accidental house fires in Strathclyde have all dropped after a life-saving campaign was launched.

There were 14 fatalities in 2012, against 27 the previous year – down 48%.

There was also a 3% reduction in the number of people injured, while accidental house fires were down 4%, figures from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue show.

However, the service's chief officer, Brian Sweeney, said four deaths over the festive period showed people must "always be aware," of the dangers of fire.

The Evening Times yesterday highlighted the dangers of unattended heating appliances, candles and electric blankets. There were fires in 104 homes throughout the force's area caused by heating equipment, with 23 people injured.

Mr Sweeney said: "As we approach the start of the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service it is important to take stock of how far we have come over the last 38 years.

"We have never been safer, but as the recent tragedies prove, we must always be aware of the dangers of fire.

"Every fire death is one too many.

"Ten years from now nobody in west Scotland should be dying in a fire."

Figures showed a 14% drop in fire casualties and a 5% drop in accidental house fires between December 1-January 3 compared to the same period in 2011-12.

However, there were four deaths, an increase on the previous year's figures but in line with five-year averages

There was also a 39% increase in the number of home fire safety visits after a push by the fire service to urge householders to take advantage of the free scheme.

Fire bosses claim the scheme, which sees homes assessed for safety and fitted with smoke alarms, are one of the most important defences against fire.

Last year there were 1948 home fire safety visits – up 544 on 2011.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said 25% of these were due to the Join The Fight Against Fire campaign, which is run in partnership with the Evening Times.

Around 25% of all Home Fire Safety Visits are generated by other agencies, such as housing officers and social workers.

A further 10% of requests are received by frontline crews speaking to people after a fire in the neighbourhood.

Mr Sweeney gave his message ahead of the new Scots fire service becoming operational on April 1.

He said: "In the 1970s and early 1980s, the public were three times more likely to have a house fire and suffer the consequences or, worse, were almost eight or nine times more likely to die in the blaze.

"When Strathclyde Fire Brigade began in the 1970s we were regularly seeing more than 7000 house fires each year, with a death toll often exceeding 100.

"We will continue our efforts and, with the help of the media and public, will work relentlessly in the fight against fire."

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk

Join The Fight Against Fire

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

The campaign, in partnership with the Evening Times, aims to show how the organisation can support older people – helping them to live in their 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.