False alarms account for nearly half of Dumfries and Galloway fire brigade call-outs

False alarms make up almost half of all call-outs for the fire brigade in Dumfries and Galloway.

Figures for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in the region for April 1 to September 30 show there were 280 unwanted fire alarms signals (UFAS) in the region.

The incidents made up 55 per cent of the 505 call-outs over the six month period according to a report for the police, fire and rescue sub-committee which meets next week. Nith ward registered the highest number in the region with 82.

The reason for the 14 per cent rise has been put down to businesses returning to normal following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Area Commander Andrew Kenna will tell councillors: “At the height of lockdown, businesses were required to change the way they operated or in some cases, closed altogether.

“This resulted in a dramatic drop in UFAS incidents, consequently we have witnessed a sharp rise as businesses return to normality.

“We have had 280 UFAS incidents in the first six-months and a 14 per cent year on year rise.

“Attendance of two fire appliances at low-risk premises for fire alarm activations were reduced to one fire appliance as part of Covid-19 procedures adopted by SFRS.

“With the exception of higher-risk premises such as care homes and hospitals, this procedure will remain in place, post-pandemic, until outcomes of the UFAS Demand Reduction Public Consultation are implemented in Q1 (quarter one) 2023.

“Supervisory officers will investigate, provide advice and report all UFAS activity. The Fire Safety Enforcement Officers will continue to engage with the top reporter properties within the region.

“Working with the duty holders of these premises we will continue to work towards reducing UFAS in the future.”

There have been 46 accidental dwelling fires in the region so far this year compared to 86 for the 2021/22 reporting period. So far there have been just two casualties.

The report, prepared by station commander John Harvey, adds: “We are pleased to report a slight drop in accidental dwelling fires from those recorded in the previous year.

“It is important to note that figures recorded during the first 6 months of 2022-23 are similar to those figures recorded pre-pandemic.

“Incidents in the remaining localities are spread throughout the region with numbers reflective of population densities. No trend patterns have been observed.”