More than two-thirds of all fire fatalities are over 50-years-old

More than two thirds of people who died as a result of fire in Scotland in the last five years were over 50-years-old, according to the latest statistics.

Figures also show that almost a third of all fire casualties
for the same period were aged 60 or over.

The stark numbers are revealed as the Scottish Fire and
Rescue Service launches a national Older People Month of Action, aimed at
keeping Scotland’s most vulnerable and elderly residents safe in the home.

As part of this, firefighters are ready to offer potentially
lifesaving Home Fire Safety Visits.

Between 2015 and 2019, 218 people sadly lost their lives due
to often preventable fires in Scotland – 149 of whom were aged 50 or over.

And for the same period, there were a total 5,862 people who
became casualties after being affected by fire or smoke – 1,600 of whom were
more than 60 years old.

Now, SFRS is launching a wide-ranging appeal which will run
through the month of March, and reaching out to families, friends and
neighbours to help ensure that older people in Scotland’s communities remain
safe from harm.

Assistant Chief Officer Ross Haggart is the Scottish Fire
and Rescue Service’s Director of Prevention and Protection.

He said: “It is heart breaking when a life is lost in any
fire, particularly when they are often so preventable.

“It’s easy to think that fire won’t happen to you, but statistically
there is potentially a house fire in Scotland every two hours.

“And it is clear to see that people who are around the age
of 60 or over are most affected by serious house fires.

“As a service, we believe any fatality because of fire is one
too many and our thoughts remain with every single person affected by such
tragedy.

“While we will continue our prevention efforts across
Scotland I think we all need to ask ourselves, is there more I could do?

“The time to take action is now.”

In 2018-19, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service visited
almost 70,000 homes across Scotland to offer free Home Fire Safety Visits.

During these visits, which prioritise the homes of those
deemed most vulnerable and at risk, SFRS can help spot possible fire hazards,
sort out a fire escape plan and provide information about smoke, heat and
carbon monoxide alarms.

Trained staff can also help by suggesting other agencies who
can help make sure residents are safe and protected in the home.

ACO Haggart added: “We have dedicated personnel across
Scotland – operational firefighters, community firefighters and community
safety advocates – ready to offer potentially lifesaving Home Fire Safety
Visits.

“If you are 60 or over please contact us now.  If you have a friend, relative or neighbour
in this age group, talk to them about our free Home Fire Safety Visit service.

“You can even offer to contact us on their behalf.

“We want to reach every older person in Scotland – but we
can’t do that without your help.

“Together we can prevent fires happening and protect older
people across Scotland.”