GLASGOW is becoming safer from fire, new figures revealed today.

The latest statistics, six months on from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue merging to become the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), show fire numbers are falling.

Accidental house fires are down by 16% while casualty figures have fallen by 8%.

Fire bosses welcomed the decrease, saying it is due to hard work from community fire fighters.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, SFRS's Director of Prevention and Protection, said: "Since the commencement of the SFRS in April, our approach to public engagement has incorporated best practice from across Scotland.

"Great care is being taken to ensure services are delivered locally in a consistent and co-ordinated manner, with a clear focus on public and firefighter safety."

The new Scottish Fire Service came into being on April 1.

Figures are compared to the five year average, compiled between April and September this year.

Emergency incidents have fallen in that time and, although fire chiefs admit statistics are variable, fire crews are working with communities to make them safer.

Deliberate rubbish fires in Glasgow are also down by 6% and false fire alarm call outs caused by equipment failure have dropped by 10%.

Front line fire fighters are increasingly getting involved in their local communities to help cut fires and fire fatalities.

Officers carry out Home Fire Safety Visits to assess homes and fit smoke alarms.

Fire crews also back the Evening Times' Community Champions Awards and our Streets Ahead initiative, both designed to increase awareness of home fire safety and boost community safety and wellbeing.

Last year the Evening Times backed Strathclyde Fire and Rescue's ongoing Fight Against Fire campaign.

We told how fire staff were working with their peers from Police Scotland, the NHS and community arts group Impact Arts to protect Glasgow's most vulnerable residents.

Mr Ramsay added: "Additionally, readers should look out for our on-going fire safety media advertising campaign called "Join Scotland's Fight Against Fire" which aims to achieve further reductions in house fires and casualties, by reminding people about the benefits of working smoke alarms and the dangers of cooking and smoking when combined with excessive alcohol consumption."

For further safety information or to book a free HFSV, contact your local community fire station or see www.firescotland.gov.uk

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk