Dumfries and Galloway sees rise in fire-related incidents in 2021/22

The number of fire-related incidents have risen sharply by 21 per cent during the last 12 months.

But fire service chiefs have reacted quickly to douse any flames of concern.

Ian Anderson, fire station manager in Dumfries and Galloway, insisted: “This was to be expected.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has released its annual performance report covering April 2021-March 2022, providing official figures for everything from accidental fires and road collisions to deliberate fire setting and unwanted fire alarms sounding.

The report shows that there were a total of 1,971 incidents across the region over the 12-month period, of which 1,025 were false alarms.

There were 545 fires recorded, which is an increase of 23 per cent, while special service callouts – including road traffic collisions – rose by 38 per cent to 401.

Mr Anderson will present the report at Dumfries and Galloway’s police, fire and rescue sub committee on Friday.

It states: “On comparison with figures from 2020-2021, during Covid-19 lockdown, initial examination of the activity summary during 2021-2022 shows considerable percentage rises in nearly all reporting areas, and as discussed at previous committees, this was to be expected.

“Members are asked to take these performance figures into context.

“It should be noted that all false alarms including UFAS (unwanted fire alarm signals), dwellings and those for good intent, make up 52 per cent of the total incidents attended in Dumfries and Galloway.”

While the total number of incidents have increased year-on-year by 21 per cent, a more realistic rise of two per cent is shown when analysed against three-year and five-year average figures.

A breakdown of the stats within the region shows that 78 fires were started deliberately in North West Dumfries – significantly higher than anywhere else in the region.

Meanwhile, in Nithsdale there were 151 unwanted fire alarm signals recorded, which far exceeds any other area.

The fire service report highlighted that firefighter availability has remained at a high level, despite an anticipated drop post-lockdown.

It states: “During Covid-19 lockdown, availability provided by ‘on call’ crews throughout Dumfries and Galloway was exceptional.

“As ‘on call’ staff have returned to their primary employment and some sort of normality, a reduction in appliance availability was expected.

“We are pleased to report that compared to last year, appliance availability has only dropped by one per cent. Dumfries and Galloway continues to be the best performing area in the west service delivery area and second only to one other area throughout the whole of Scotland.”