3. Local Authority Scrutiny Report N Ayrshire Q1 25-26
North Ayrshire Council · 1 September 2025
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Committee — 1 September 2025 and its agenda
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2025-26 Q1 North Ayrshire Scrutiny Report 2025-26 Q1 North Ayrshire Council - Police & Fire Committee North Ayrshire
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202514/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on About the statistics within this report The activity totals and other statistics quoted within this report are published in the interests of transparency and openness. They are provisional in nature and subject to change as a result of ongoing quality assurance and review. Because all statistics quoted are provisional there may be a difference in the period totals quoted in our reports after local publication which result from revisions or additions to the data in our systems. The Scottish Government publishes official statistics each year which allow for comparisons to be made over longer periods of time. Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Summary Trends Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADFs) Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Non-Fire Casualties Deliberate Fires Non-Domestic Fires Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) Fire Safety Enforcement Community Safety & Engagement Glossary of Terms 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Contents Scrutiny Report 2025-26 Q1 North Ayrshire Council - Police & Fire Committee North Ayrshire
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1. Summary 254 Fires 86 370 False Alarms 710 29 0 0 Fire Fatalities 16 3 95 UFAS This report highlights a 13% overall increase in total incidents compared to the previous quarter, equating to 90 additional incidents. Key changes include: Fires: Increased by 33% (+84 incidents), False Alarms: Increased by 20% (+74 incidents), Non-Fire Related Incidents: Decreased by 44% (−68 incidents) UFAS (Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals): Decreased by 2% (−2 incidents) Outdoor Fires now represent the largest category, accounting for 29% of all incidents, overtaking False Alarms, which were the leading category last quarter at 23%. The remainder of this report provides a detailed breakdown of these incident categories. 202514/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Non-Fire Incidents People Rescued by Firefighters People Receiving First Aid or Hospital Treatment (Non-Fire) People Receiving First Aid or Hospital Treatment (Fires) Non-Fire Fatalities Top 10 Incident Types Fire (Outdoor) False Alarm (Due to Apparatus) False Alarm (UFAS) False Alarm (Good Intent) Inter-Agency Fire (Building) Humanitarian Fire (Vehicle) Vehicle (Non-fire) Flooding / Water Rescue 203 182 95 88 41 39 15 12 12 8 2025-26 Q1 Fire Safety AuditsHome Fire Safety Visits Total Incidents (Incl. Incompletes)
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2. Trends 202514/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Accidental Dwelling Fires 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 2024-25 Q4 2025-26 Q1 38 22 25 36 3030 25 29 28 24 28 25 29 28 24 36 Deliberate Fires 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 2024-25 Q4 2025-26 Q1 129 158 179 46 66 175 141 83 8391 110 69 104 113 93 162 Non-Domestic Fires 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 2024-25 Q4 2025-26 Q1 6 6 15 34 4 9 5 8 9 8 99 4 8 9 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 2024-25 Q4 2025-26 Q1 189 95 214 76 184 161 201 169 9792100 183 198 9085 105 Road Traffic Collisions 2021-22 Q2 2021-22 Q3 2021-22 Q4 2022-23 Q1 2022-23 Q2 2022-23 Q3 2022-23 Q4 2023-24 Q1 2023-24 Q2 2023-24 Q3 2023-24 Q4 2024-25 Q1 2024-25 Q2 2024-25 Q3 2024-25 Q4 2025-26 Q1 18 12 19 10 12 17 16 12 1212 12 14 14 12 12 13 Previous 16 quarters (4 years)
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3. Accidental Dwelling Fires Extent of Damage Incidents Not applicable 15 Limited to floor of origin (not whole building) 3 Limited to item 1st ignited 3 Limited to room of origin 1 Accidental dwelling fires have decreased by 21% (6 fewer incidents) compared to the same period last year, and by 8% (2 fewer incidents) since last quarter. Notably, 46% (10 incidents) were attributed to cooking-related activities. Following every domestic fire, our operational crews conduct post-incident follow-ups, offering tailored safety advice to residents. During this quarter, our operational teams, in collaboration with the Community Action Team, completed 183 Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) and installed smoke detectors where necessary. 202514/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Source of Ignition (Top 10) Cooking appliance Smoking Related Other domestic style appliance Heating equipment Matches and candles Not known 10 6 3 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 20 25 30 35 40 22 Accidental Dwelling Fires in this period 2025-26 Q1 Incidents by Ward Ardrossan Irvine South North Coast Garnock Valley Saltcoats and Stevenston Arran Irvine East Irvine West Kilwinning 4 4 4 3 3 1 1 1 1
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4. Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Non-Fatal Casualties 0 Fatal Casualties 0 Nature of Injury/Cause of Death Casualties This quarter, no casualties were recorded as a result of accidental dwelling fires. This marks an improvement compared to 5 casualties during the same period last year and 2 casualties last quarter. 202514/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Casualties by Ward Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 2 4 6 8 1 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) 0 0 First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries 0 Hospital Serious Injuries 2025-26 Q1
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5. Non-Fire Casualties 202514/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Non-fire related casualties decreased by 1 (5%) compared to last quarter, but increased by 4 (21%) when compared to the same period last year. Of the 19 total casualties, 8 (42%) were the result of Road Traffic Collisions. Incidents involving Assisting Other Agencies rose by 2%, now accounting for 57% (11 casualties) of the total. Tragically, three fatalities were recorded this quarter: One following an incident in Stevenston Two during assistance provided to the Scottish Ambulance Service for gaining access. Casualties by Ward Garnock Valley North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West 10 3 3 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 10 15 20 25 30 Non-Fatal Casualties 16 Fatal Casualties 3 28 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) 2 10 First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries 4 Hospital Serious Injuries Nature of Injury/Cause of Death Casualties Cuts/Lacerations 3 Head injury 3 Bruising 2 Chest pain / Heart condition / Cardiac arrest 2 Fracture 2 Not known 2 Chest / Abdominal injury 1 Collapse 1 Other 1 Other physical injury 1 Unconscious, fitting or unresponsive (no other evident significant injury) 1 2025-26 Q1
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6. Deliberate Fires Property Type Incident Grassland, woodland and crops 74 Refuse 40 Other outdoors (including land) 29 Dwelling 4 Non Residential 4 Road Vehicle 4 Outdoor structures 2 Other Residential 1 Deliberate fire setting has increased by 11% (65 incidents) compared to Q4 of last year, and by 29% (45 incidents) compared to the same period last year. Secondary fires accounted for the majority of these incidents, making up 84% (133 incidents). These figures can be influenced by seasonal weather conditions. We continue to work closely with our partners to identify emerging trends and implement targeted interventions aimed at reducing deliberate fire activity. As part of our Spring Thematic Action Plan, operational crews will undertake targeted engagement with schools and community groups. These interactions will focus on raising awareness of deliberate fire setting and anti-social behaviour, with the strategic aim of mitigating the frequency and impact of such incidents within the community. A Wildfire Unit is now operational at Kilwinning Fire Station, equipped to support wildfire response efforts across the country. Hour of Day 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 202514/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Saltcoats and Stevenston Irvine South Irvine West Garnock Valley Kilwinning Ardrossan North Coast Irvine East Arran 48 32 17 16 16 10 10 5 4 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 50 100 150 158 Deliberate Fires in this period 2025-26 Q1
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7. Non-Domestic Fires Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Food and Drink 1 Offices and call centres 1 Other Residential Home 1 Residential Home 1 Retail 1 Sheltered Housing - not self contained 1 There has been a 33% year-on-year decrease in incidents (3), but a 50% increase (3) compared to the previous quarter. Our Fire Safety Enforcement Officers continue to work closely with business owners to maintain high standards of fire protection and housekeeping, which contributes significantly to keeping incident numbers low. 4 (66.7%) (33.3%) 2 Accidental Deliberate 202514/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Irvine West Ardrossan Irvine East North Coast Saltcoats and Stevenston 2 1 1 1 1 Extent of Damage Limited to item 1st ignited Not applicable 3 3 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 5 10 15 6 Non-Domestic Fires in this period 2025-26 Q1
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8. Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Residential Home 51 Sheltered Housing - not self contained 15 Hospitals and medical care 13 Other Residential Home 4 Hotel/motel 3 Hostel (e.g. for homeless people) 2 Education 1 Entertainment and culture 1 Food and Drink 1 Industrial Manufacturing 1 Sporting venues 1 Student Hall of Residence 1 Warehouses and bulk storage 1 UFAS incidents have seen a year-on-year increase of 11%, with 10 more incidents recorded, while showing a 2% decrease (2 incidents) compared to the previous quarter. The primary source of these incidents was Residential Care Homes, accounting for 54% (51 incidents) of all UFAS a ctivity. These incidents are typically linked to human factors, such as failure to isolate alarm systems during testing, cooking activities, or aerosols. Although there has been a notable reduction in UFAS incidents since the implementation of our UFAS Reduction Policy, we continue to engage with duty holders at affected premises to further reduce these occurrences. Any premise that has a sleeping area within it such as Residential Homes, Hospitals, Hotels etc. will always recieve an attendance from SFRS. 202514/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Irvine West Kilwinning Saltcoats and Stevenston Irvine South Garnock Valley North Coast Arran Ardrossan Irvine East 20 20 16 12 11 10 3 2 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 50 100 150 200 250 95 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals in this period 2025-26 Q1
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9. Road Traffic Collisions Road Traffic Collisions have decreased by 22% (4 incidents) compared to the same period last year, but have seen a 7% increase (1 incident) since last quarter. Our Community Action Team continues to deliver Road Safety Awareness sessions to 5th and 6th year pupils who are beginning their driving journey. This initiative forms part of a Multi-Agency Pan-Ayrshire approach, aimed at educating young drivers on the responsibilities of being behind the wheel, the impact of peer pressure, and the potential consequences of unsafe driving behaviours. 202514/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Garnock Valley North Coast Ardrossan Irvine South Arran Kilwinning Saltcoats and Stevenston 4 3 2 2 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 10 15 20 14 Road Traffic Collisions in this period Non-Fatal Casualties 10 Fatal Casualties 0 4 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) 2 7 First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries 1 Hospital Serious Injuries Property Type Incidents Car 10 Multiple Vehicles 2 Motorcycle 1 Other outdoor items including roadside furniture 1 2025-26 Q1 Incident Type Incidents Vehicle (Non-fire) 12 Humanitarian 1 Other Non-Fire 1
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10. Home Fire Safety Visits 202514/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 11. Fire Safety Enforcement 2025-26 Q1 122 Post Domestic Incident Response visits 83 Home Fire Safety Visits 70 Adult Protection referrals 26 Fire Safety Audits
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12. Community Safety & Engagement Key activities delivered this quarter include: 13 targeted talks at schools and nurseries, aligned with the Ayrshire Engagement Syllabus, covering topics such as anti-social behaviour, deliberate fire setting, and water safety 6 community events supporting local engagement and safety awareness Station visits hosted for community groups, schools, and nursery classes CPR awareness sessions delivered to both community groups and schools Distribution of fire-retardant equipment to identified households in need Car Seat Safety Events held at Largs and Kilwinning Fire Stations 202514/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 2025-26 Q1
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13. Glossary of Terms Term - What it means ADF Accidental Dwelling Fire. HFSV Home Fire Safety Visit. PDIR Post Domestic Incident Response, a term used to indicate actions taken following attendance at a fire or other incident in the home. PDIRs include amongst things the offer of a free follow up home fire safety visit. RTC Road Traffic Collision. Special Service Calls to incidents which are not fires or false alarms such as RTCs, rescues, flooding, incidents involving hazardous materials or the provision of assistance to other agencies. UFAS Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals. When an automatic fire detection and alarm system is activated as a result of anything other than an actual fire the activation is classed as a false alarm. If an attendance is made to such an event by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, then the event is recorded as an UFAS incident. UFAS Policy Change In response to COVID, on the 6th May 2020, the SFRS decided to send 1 pump to UFAS premises that did not have their own Predetermined attendance (PDA). As of 1st July 2023, the COVID interim 1 pump response was ended and a new UFAS policy was implemented. The new policy is to call challenge all UFAS incidents with the intention of non-attendance. Hospitals, care homes, and sleeping risk premises are all exempt and receive either 2 pumps or their premise specific PDA. 202514/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
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