Appendix 1 - End of Year Scottish Fire and Rescue Report
Perth and Kinross Council · 21 June 2023
Back to Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee — 21 June 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Appendix 1 October-March: 2022/23 MONITORING REPORT Covering the activities and performance in support of the Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Perth & Kinross.
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2 ABOUT THE STATISTICS IN THIS REPORT The activity totals and other statistics quoted in this report 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 differences in the period totals quoted in our reports after original publication which result from revisions or additions to the data on our systems. From 2015-16 onwards responsibility for the publication of end-year statistical data transferred from the Scottish Government to the SFRS. This change of responsibility does not affect the status of the figures quoted in this and other SFRS reports presented to the Committee.
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3 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Introduction Performance Summary Performance Highlights 4 5 6 Priority 1 - Improving Fire Safety in The Home HI 1 – Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADF) HI 2 – ADF Fatal Casualties HI 3 – ADF Non-Fatal Casualties Priority 2 - Improving Fire Safety and Resilience in the Business Community HI 4 - Non-Domestic Building Fires HI 5 – Fatal Casualties in Non-Domestic Buildings HI 6 – Non-Fatal Casualties in Non-Domestic Buildings Priority 3 - Minimising the Impact of Unintentional Harm HI 7 – Road Traffic Collision (RTC) Incidents HI 8 – Fatal RTC Casualties HI 9 – Non-Fatal RTC Casualties Priority 4 - Reducing Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals HI 10 – Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) Priority 5 - Reducing Deliberate Fires HI 11 – Deliberate Primary Fires HI 12 – Deliberate Secondary Fires Priority 6 - Effective Risk Management and Operational Preparedness APPENDIX 1: COMMUNITY SAFETY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMMES APPENDIX 2: NOTABLE INCIDENTS 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15
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4 INTRODUCTION This report covers the SFRS’s performance and activities in support of the six priorities in the Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Perth & Kinross, namely: • Priority 1 - Improving fire safety in the home • Priority 2 - Improving fire safety and resilience in the business community • Priority 3 - Minimising the impact of unintentional harm • Priority 4 - Reducing unwanted fire alarm signals • Priority 5 - Reducing deliberate fires • Priority 6 - Effective risk management and operational preparedness As well as supporting the six priorities within the Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Perth & Kinross, this monitoring report shows how SFRS activities and performance contribute to the wider priorities of the Perth & Kinross Council Community Planning Partnership (CPP), as set out in the Perth & Kinross Community Plan (LOIP). The figures in this report are provisional, to provide the Committee with the SFRS’s direction of travel within the Perth & Kinross area, in terms of performance against headline indicators and targets. Most figures will not change; however, members should note that there may be some small variations for some indicators when the final confirmed figures are published by the SFRS. The Perth & Kinross Council Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee agreed the new Local Fire and Rescue Plan for Perth & Kinross on 2 December 2020, covering a three-year period. In support of delivering the priorities in this plan, 12 headline indicators and targets have been set, and form the basis of this quarterly monitoring report.
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5 PERFORMANCE SUMMARY The table below provides a summary of activity and year to date (YTD) performance against Headline Indicators and annual targets. It aims to provide, at a glance, our direction of travel during the current reporting year. HI 1 Accident Dwelling Fires (ADF) HI 2 ADF Fatal Casualties HI 3 ADF Non-Fatal Casualties 44 Incidents YTD – 84 Incidents Annual Target – 106 Incidents 0 Casualties YTD – 0 Annual Target – 0 13 Casualties YTD – 16 Annual Target – 18 HI 4 Non-domestic Building fires HI 5 Fatal Casualties in Non-Domestic Building Fires HI 6 Non-Fatal Casualties in Non- Domestic Building Fires 19 Incidents YTD – 37 Incidents Annual Target – 53 Incidents 4 Casualties YTD – 4 Annual Target – 0 6 Casualties YTD – 6 Annual Target – 2 HI 7 Road Traffic Collision (RTC) Incidents HI 8 Fatal RTC Casualties HI 9 Non-Fatal RTC Casualties 45 Incidents YTD – 91 Incidents Annual Target – 83 Incidents 3 Casualties YTD – 5 Annual Target – 0 36 Casualties YTD – 36 Annual Target – 50 HI 10 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals HI 11 Deliberate Primary Fires HI 12 Deliberate Secondary Fires 346 Incidents YTD – 655 Incidents Annual Target – 620 Incidents 7 Incidents YTD – 16 Incidents Annual Target – 29 Incidents 35 Incidents YTD – 87 Incidents Annual Target – 80 Incidents Year-to-Date Legend Below headline target Less than 10% above headline target More than 10% above headline target
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6 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS During the reporting period the SFRS attended a total of 1052 incidents across Perth & Kinross. Of the 12 headline indicators and targets, the following performance should be noted: HI 1 - There were 44 Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADF) reported. Fire damage at 20 incidents was reported as limited to item of ignition and 3 limited to the room of ignition requiring a hosereel or CO2 extinguisher. Twenty-Five properties were fitted with smoke detection, of which 18 operated and gave early warning to the occupants. The main cause was cooking and human contributing factor being distraction, 5 with drugs or alcohol being involved. HI 2 / HI 3 - There were 0 ADF Fatal Casualties and 13 ADF Non-Fatal Casualties during the reporting period. HI 4 - There were 19 Non-Domestic Building Fires which reflects an increase on the previous period (11). Six incidents resulted in minor damage, 1 involved the whole building, 1 limited to room of origin and 11 with no damage caused. At 4 of these incidents’ firefighters extinguished the fire using main jets or hosereels. HI 5 / HI 6 - Unfortunately there were 4 Non-Domestic Fatal Fire Casualties and 6 Non-Domestic Casualties recorded during this period as a result of two notable incidents within Perth. HI 7 - We attended 45 Road Traffic Collision’s (RTCs) to assist with scene safety or to extricate occupants trapped as a result of a collision. Reporting a decrease in comparison to the previous period. Of the 45 incidents attended, 13 incidents required technical extrication to release casualties. HI 8 / HI 9 - Of the 45 RTC incidents we attended, there were 3 RTC Fatalities and 36 Non-Fatal Casualties from around the P&K area. HI 10 - The SFRS mobilised to 346 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) incidents from a total of 633 False Alarms during the reporting period. HI 11 / HI 12 - There were 7 Deliberate Primary Fires reported. 3 buildings (Hospital, Care Home, Residential Flats), 2 involved vehicles and 2 outdoor structures. There were 35 Deliberate Secondary Fires reported. There were no trends identified, with incidents spread across all ward areas. Our firefighters continue to train in all aspects of their role to ensure they are operationally prepared and we have continued where possible to gather information on local risks to assist us in an emergency through our Operational Intelligence visits. We continue to deliver face to face engagement within our communities to ensure we can continue to help those who are most vulnerable. We have seen a large increase in partnership working and provided continual support for local initiatives some of which you can read in appendices at the end of this report. Accidental Fires 14% Deliberate Fires 4% Special Service 22% False Alarms 60% Perth & Kinross Incident Breakdown Accidental Fires Deliberate Fires Special Service False Alarms
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7 Indicator Description HI 1 – Accidental Dwelling Fires The largest single type of primary fire within P&K, our aim is to reduce the rate of ADF’s in the home and their prevention in a key focus of the SFRS community safety activity. HI 2 – ADF Fatal Casualties People for whom fire has been clearly identified as the cause of death, even if they die some-time after the actual fire. HI 3 – ADF Non-Fatal Casualties This counts all types of non-fatal fire injury in the home, including precautionary checks. What we aim to Achieve Priority One: Improving Fire Safety in the Home, meeting the headline targets will also support a long-term vision in the Perth & Kinross LOIP objectives: • Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens • Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives • Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations Performance Management Within Perth & Kinross we continue to work with our partners to ensure we positively contribute to reducing the risk to our communities and staff by analysis of our operational activities and targeting those most at risk and vulnerable, particularly around unintentional harm in the home. These targeted initiatives will continue to develop and improve as we move forward together to ensure we provide the most appropriate support for our communities with regard to unintentional harm. The total number of ADF’s continues to decrease in the long term and we are reporting the lowest number of fires for this reporting period in the last five years. This is as a result of a number of community safety initiatives delivered through partnership working. 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 Annual Target HI1 53 44 49 44 106 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 Annual Target HI2 0 0 0 0 0 HI3 5 9 10 13 18 PRIORITY 1 - IMPROVING FIRE SAFETY IN THE HOME 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 HI 2 & HI 3 ADF Fatal Fire Casualties ADF Non-Fatal Fire Casualties 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 HI 1 Incidents
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8 Indicator Description HI 4 - Non-Domestic Building Fires Applicable to the Act Non-domestic buildings applicable to Part 3 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (‘The Act’) (e.g. care homes, hotels and hospitals etc.) HI 5 – Fatal Fire Casualties in Non-Domestic Building Fires applicable to the Act People for whom fire has been clearly identified as the cause of death, even if they die sometime after the actual fire. HI 6 – Non-fatal Fire Casualties in Non-Domestic Building Fires applicable to the Act Counts all types of non-fatal fire injury in non-domestic buildings, including precautionary checks. What we aim to Achieve Priority Two: Improving Fire Safety and Resilience in the Business Community, we also link this headline target to improving the following Perth & Kinross LOIP outcomes: • Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy • Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives • Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations Performance Management In-line with our Fire Safety Enforcement Plan, Fire Safety Enforcement Officers support local businesses to enable suitable and timely legislative fire safety guidance and enforcement to be undertaken. We also continue to engage and support local and national business forums to ensure the right level of consistent information is provided to the business community. 54 Audits were undertaken during the reporting period inc.31 Care Homes; 4 Hospitals, 4 Hotels, 3 HMOs, 4 Audits following complaints, 1 Thematic Audit due to removal of a smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system and further consultations. This involved engaging with local businesses to maintain safety procedures and to ensure the safety of their staff and members of the public. There were no enforcement/formal notices issued within any business in Perth and Kinross. 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 Annual Target HI5 0 0 0 4 0 HI6 2 0 0 6 2 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 Annual Target HI4 25 12 11 19 53 PRIORITY 2-FIRE SAFETY AND RESILIENCE IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 HI 4 Incidents 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 HI 5 & HI 6 Fatal Fire Casualties Non-Fatal Fire Casualties
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9 Indicator Description HI 7 - RTC Incidents The SFRS has become increasingly involved in more non-fire related prevention work, in support of its role in promoting the wider safety and well-being of its communities, including minimising the impact of unintentional harm. HI 8 – Fatal RTC Casualties As a headline target, the aim is to reduce the risk of death from RTC’s in Perth & Kinross. HI 9 - Non-fatal RTC Casualties As a headline target, the aim is to reduce the risk of injury from RTC’s in Perth & Kinross. What we aim to Achieve As well as helping to deliver Priority three: Minimising the Impact of Unintentional Harm, we also link these headline targets to improving the following Perth & Kinross LOIP outcomes: • Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens • Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives • Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations Performance Management RTCs account for a high number of casualties every year which requires a multi-agency partnership approach to reduce these risks to those on our roads. P&K Road Safety Partnership is a multi-agency group working locally to establish reduction priorities and influence the content of the P&K Road Safety Plan. In partnership, Perth Fire Station continues to host the Motorcycle Rider Refinement course which is led by Police Scotland and supported by the Institute of Advanced Motoring. The introduction of the Young Driver Programme and VR headsets provide an emersive experience to users on Road Saftey. Input has been undertaken at local Secondary Schools and HMP Perth with feedback being very positive. A replacement for Safe Drive Stay Alive, the new equipment and material allows users to experience the aftermath of an RTC until extrication. 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 Annual Target HI7 49 28 51 45 83 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 Annual Target HI8 0 1 3 3 0 HI9 41 17 34 36 50 PRIORITY 3 – MINIMISING THE IMPACT OF UNINTENTIONAL HARM 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 HI 7 RTC 0 10 20 30 40 50 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 HI 8 & HI 9 Fatalities Casualties
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10 Indicator Description HI 10 – Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) Automatic Fire alarms (AFA’s) are fundamental to providing early warning from fire, giving people the chance to evacuate safely. However, to be effective, they must be properly installed, maintained and supported by a robust fire safety management regime implemented by the duty holder. As a headline target, the aim is to improve fire safety management and awareness, by reducing the number of attendances to UFAS from automatic systems in Non-Domestic buildings. What we aim to Achieve As well as helping to deliver Priority Four: Reducing Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals, we also link this headline target to improving the following Perth & Kinross LOIP outcome: • Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy Performance Management UFAS from AFA’s has an impact in terms of unnecessary blue light journeys, redirecting SFRS resources away from other activities such as community safety engagement and causing considerable disruption to businesses. Operational crews continue to investigate the cause of every UFAS incident to ensure the appropriate level of engagement with the duty holder was undertaken when in attendance. Every UFAS incident that the SFRS attends is used as an opportunity to educate the Duty Holder on the impact UFAS has on their businesses, the community and the Fire and Rescue Service. Following the UFAS Stakeholder Consultation, from 1 July 2023 the SFRS will no longer mobilise to AFA’s within Non-Sleeping risk premises unless a fire is confirmed. It is expected that the SFRS will reduce UFAS mobilisations within P&K providing opportunities for reinvesting the released capacity into areas that would deliver greater value, such as upskilling, training and further prevention work. When analysed further, it is the same property types that are causing UFAS in Perth & Kinross and nationally. 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 Annual Target HI10 277 314 321 346 620 Property Types Secondary and Primary Schools 58 Care Homes, Sheltered Housing 39 Hotels 28 Hospital/ Medical Care 21 Offices and Call Centres 19 PRIORITY 4 - REDUCING UNWANTED FIRE ALARM SIGNALS 0 100 200 300 400 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 HI 10 UFAS Incidents 81% 16% 3% All False Alarms (633) UFAS = 55% Equipment Faliure Good Intent Malicious
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11 Indicator Description HI 11 – Deliberate Primary Fires These indicators account for all types of fire that are believed to have been started intentionally. • Fires in the home • Fires in non-domestic buildings • Fires in motor vehicles HI 12 – Deliberate Secondary Fires These deliberate fires cover the majority of outdoor fires including grassland and refuse fires and include fires in derelict buildings, but not chimney fires. What we aim to Achieve As well as helping to deliver Priority Five: Reducing Deliberate Fires, we also link this headline target to improving the following Perth & Kinross LOIP outcomes: • Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens • Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy • Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives • Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations Performance Management The proactive approach adopted particularly around youth engagement endeavours to reduce the number of deliberate fires, particularly secondary fires, as part of a wider youth awareness education initiative. These include a targeted approach working with local schools along with national campaigns during the summer season to reduce this unacceptable, anti-social behaviour. This continual programme of input with regard deliberate fire raising is delivered alongside other educational safety programmes across Perth and Kinross particularly the Perth City area. 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 Annual Target HI12 29 27 27 35 80 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 Annual Target HI11 13 7 11 7 29 PRIORITY 5 - REDUCING DELIBERATE FIRES 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 HI 11 All Deliberate Primary Fires 0 10 20 30 40 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 HI 12 All Deliberate Secondary Fires
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12 Risk Management and operational preparedness is a key area of work for the SFRS. In Perth & Kinross, this means: • Knowing what the risks are in Perth & Kinross and then making plans, so we are resilient to respond to any event • Being prepared to respond to national threats or major emergencies • Developing flexibility to deploy crews, to take on a broadening role within the community • Firefighters being equipped to deal with emergencies safely and effectively and our stations being in a constant state of readiness • Safe, secure, vibrant and sustainable communities • An inclusive and sustainable economy • An enhanced, protected and enjoyed natural and built environment • Improved physical, mental and emotional health and well-being What we aim to Achieve As well as helping to deliver Priority Six: Effective Risk Management and Operational Preparedness, our activities also support improving the following Perth & Kinross LOIP objectives: • Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens • Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy • Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives • Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations During the reporting period we have delivered our training commitment to operational firefighters, whereby we trained and confirmed their preparedness to deal with: • Breathing Apparatus • Casualty Care • Pumps, Ladders and Knots and Lines • Road Traffic Collisions • Incident Command Within P&K, our On-Call Volunteer stations, Kinloch Rannoch, Kirkmichael and Glenshee have recently undertaken Road Traffic Collision (RTC) Operator courses and received Powered Rescue Equipment (PRE) and associated equipment enhancing their capabilities which allows them to be mobilised to RTCs ensuing resilience in our more remote communities. Firefighters continue to conduct Operational Intelligence visits to sites within their station area so that they are familiar with the associated risks and hazards and, if required, can take effective actions in dealing with incidents at these sites. They also continue to conduct Home Safety Visits, ensuring that all High-Risk properties were visited and telephone contact made with all Medium and Low Risk properties. Our Development Firefighter yearly assessments are also continuing to ensure that they are developing their skills in line with their 3-year Modern Apprenticeship. We are also continuing our advertising campaign with a view to filling a number of vacant posts within our On-Call stations. PRIORITY 6 - RISK MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL PREPAREDNESS
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13 This section provides details of Community Safety Engagement initiatives undertaken within P&K. The Safer Communities Partnership work together to continually provide community safety messages, education, training and support. This compliments risk reduction strategies to support our communities, particularly those most vulnerable. Working collaboratively, it also supports the priorities within the Local Fire and Rescue Plan and the wider Perth & Kinross Council Community Planning Partnerships priorities. APPENDIX 1: COMMUNITY SAFETY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMMES
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14 Firefighters have been working with representatives from P&K Council and partners to improve water safety at the River Ericht, Blairgowrie by installing new Water Safety Boards and throwlines along the riverbank at Sir William Macpherson Park. Board information includes location, safety advice and mental health support. A community Water Safety event was held on Saturday 1st of April 2023 with Police Scotland, Tayside Mountain Rescue, P&K Council Community Wardens, the Scottish Ambulance Service and Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council which allowed visitors to learn how to use lifesaving throwlines and CPR. Perth Fire Station held its first Emergency Services Day. Joined by our partners, the Scottish Ambulance Service, Police Scotland, Mountain Rescue, First Responders, Air Ambulance, SFB Heritage Trust and Rapid Relief. Over 1000 people attended the event, where visitors undertook activities including VR goggles, viewing appliances and equipment, meeting operational crews, trying on the PPE and was an opportunity for members of the community to receive home safety advice. Firefighters from Coupar Angus and our P&K Community Action Team recently carried out CPR training in partnership with the British Heart Foundation to a local community group in the town ensuring that all involved were proficient in the use of this life saving skill.
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15 SFRS attended 1052 incidents of which a number had a serious impact on members of our communities and their families. New County Hotel, Perth Crews were met with a well-developed fire on the 2nd floor of the hotel. The incident escalated to a Level 3 response with 14 appliances attending from across Tayside, Fife and Aberdeen. Crews rescued a number of residents from the upper floors and roof by ladder and quickly extinguished the fire searching the smoke logged building. Unfortunately, this incident resulted in 3 fatalities and a number of injuries to residents. Shore Recylcling, Perth A fire at Shore Recycling involving approximately 200 tonnes of scrap materials which had spread to adjacent buildings. Crews from across Tayside and Fife were required at this incident with 9 fire appliances and supporting vehicles remaining on scene for 48 hours. Unfortunately, this incident resulted in a fatality due to injuries sustained. Clunie Power Station, Pitlochry Specialist crews, including Swift Water Rescue Teams from Perth and Stirling and Line Rescue Team from Lochgelly attended a gorge rescue incident where a casualty had fallen approximately 40ft down to the river’s edge. Boats were deployed from downstream and crews with the assistance of Scottish Ambulance Special Operations, Trauma Team and Police Scotland were able to affect a challenging rescue. APPENDIX 2: NOTABLE INCIDENTS / EVENTS