FIRE-RELATED injuries have decreased by 35 per cent across North Ayrshire, according to latest figures.

There were 11 casualties reported between April 2017 and March 2018 – down from a total of 17 over the same period the year before.

A total of 145 accidental dwelling fires were also reported to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service last year, down seven per cent from 2016.

This drop comes as firefighters across North Ayrshire carried out 1,846 Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV) in the area – a cornerstone of the service’s prevention efforts to support people to stay safe at home, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.

Firefighters will provide advice on what to do in the event of an emergency and also check or install smoke detectors for free.

James Scott, Local Senior Officer (LSO) for East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire, said early warning signs of fire through working smoke alarms are vital to reducing casualties.

He said: “There is a clear link between firerelated casualties and accidental dwelling fires.

“That is why we make such a concerted effort in the provision of Home Fire Safety Visits to ensure everyone has adequate fire detection in place.

“Our crews have carried out more than 1,800 Home Fire Safety Visits during this reporting period, and fitted 1,237 free smoke alarms.

“We want everyone to be safe in their homes and cannot stress enough the importance of having a working smoke alarm.

“If fire breaks out, a smoke or heat alarm will give you valuable early warning to react and reach a place of safety. And, if you are sleeping, a working alarm could be absolutely vital.”

The latest figures were revealed in a SFRS report presented to North Ayrshire Council’s Police and Fire Committee.