Renfrewshire Local Authority Scrutiny Report Q3 2025_26
Renfrewshire Council · 13 January 2026
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Sub-Committee — 13 January 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
2025-26 Q3 All Renfrewshire Scrutiny Report 2025-26 Q3 Renfrewshire
Page 2
202605/01/26 © 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. 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 Q3 Renfrewshire
Page 3
2025-26 Q31. Summary 79 Fires 78 162 False Alarms 358 16 1 0 Fire Fatalities 6 0 67 UFAS The overall incident activity for Q3 shows a balanced operational demand across fires, non fire incidents, and false alarms. It is encouraging to note zero fire fatalities and zero non-fire fatalities, demonstrating the continued effectiveness of prevention and response strategies. The number of people rescued and those receiving treatment remains low, reflecting strong operational performance and early intervention. Home Fire Safety Visits and Fire Safety Audits continue to support community safety and risk reduction. 202605/01/26 © 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 False Alarm (UFAS) False Alarm (Due to Apparatus) Fire (Outdoor) Incomplete (Incomplete) Inter-Agency False Alarm (Good Intent) Fire (Building) Flooding / Water Rescue Other Non-Fire Vehicle (Non-fire) 67 64 50 39 31 25 24 15 13 10 Fire Safety AuditsHome Fire Safety Visits Total Incidents (Incl. Incompletes) 33125
Page 4
2. Trends Previous 16 quarters (4 years) 202605/01/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Accidental Dwelling Fires 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 2025-26 Q2 2025-26 Q3 32 16 47 1524 3841 32 28 3235 36 36 36 23 32 Deliberate Fires 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 2025-26 Q2 2025-26 Q3 131 46 218 200 82 163 9686 135 98 117136 107 85 138 123 Non-Domestic Fires 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 2025-26 Q2 2025-26 Q3 11 7 20 38 14 8 17 8 9 11 11 10 910 13 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals 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 2025-26 Q2 2025-26 Q3 262 67 318 100 228 110123118 95 245 108 284 102 95 268 112 Road Traffic Collisions 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 2025-26 Q2 2025-26 Q3 20 14 26 10 14 23 25 16 20 22 18 21 1718 1818
Page 5
2. Trends 202605/01/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Previous 16 quarters (4 years) Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties 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 2025-26 Q2 2025-26 Q3 3 1 9 1 2 7 3 4 55 2 33 5 2 2 Non-Fire Casualties 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 2025-26 Q2 2025-26 Q3 15 6 26 5 25 22 15 1920 21 24 21 20 11 21 24 Road Traffic Collision Casualties 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 2025-26 Q2 2025-26 Q3 10 3 16 3 5 15 13 14 8 15 99 10 14 13 5 Home Fire Safety Visits 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 2025-26 Q2 2025-26 Q3 304 125 332 130 290 260280 185 321 287 308300 295 275 181 284 Fire Safety Audits 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 2025-26 Q2 2025-26 Q3 13 33 90 38 46 66 66 44 47 74 59 40 70 62 42 50
Page 6
202605/01/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Accidental Dwelling Fires in this period Extent of Damage Incidents Not applicable 9 Limited to item 1st ignited 3 Limited to room of origin 3 Limited to floor of origin (not whole building) 1 Source of Ignition (Top 10) Cooking appliance Heating equipment Other domestic style appliance Smoking Related 13 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 20 30 40 50 16 Incidents by Ward Johnstone South & Elderslie Paisley Southwest Erskine & Inchinnan Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Paisley East & Central Paisley Northeast & Ralston Paisley Northwest Paisley Southeast Renfrew South & Gallowhill 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2025-26 Q33. Accidental Dwelling Fires Accidental Dwelling Fires remain low at 16 incidents this quarter, continuing the positive downward trend seen over recent years. The majority of fires were contained to the item or room of origin, highlighting effective early detection and prompt intervention. Cooking appliances remain the primary ignition source, reinforcing the importance of ongoing kitchen safety messaging. Ward distribution shows no significant clustering, indicating risk is well managed across the area.
Page 7
4. Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Non-Fatal Casualties Fatal Casualties Nature of Injury/Cause of Death Casualties Overcome by gas, smoke or toxic fumes; asphyxiation 1 Casualties remain very low, with only one non-fatal casualty recorded and no fatalities. This reflects the continued success of prevention work, early intervention, and community education. The limited extent of harm demonstrates that incidents are being quickly identified and controlled, reducing the likelihood of serious injury. 202605/01/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Casualties by Ward Paisley Southwest 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 5 10 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries Hospital Serious Injuries 2025-26 Q3 1 0 0 1 0 0
Page 8
5. Non-Fire Casualties 202605/01/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Non fire casualties remain modest at six, with injuries generally minor in nature. The spread across wards suggests no specific hotspot, and the high number of rescues (16) highlights the Service’s continued commitment to protecting life across a wide range of incident types. The absence of serious injuries is a positive indicator of effective operational response. Casualties by Ward Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, How… Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langb… Erskine & Inchinnan Paisley Southwest Renfrew South & Gallowhill 2 1 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 10 20 30 Non-Fatal Casualties Fatal Casualties People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries Hospital Serious Injuries Nature of Injury/Cause of Death Casualties Other 2 Back / Neck injury (spinal) 1 Bruising 1 Collapse 1 Cuts/Lacerations 1 2025-26 Q3 6 0 16 0 6 0
Page 9
6. Deliberate Fires Property Type Incident Refuse 28 Grassland, woodland and crops 7 Other outdoors (including land) 7 Dwelling 1 Non Residential 1 Other Residential 1 Road Vehicle 1 Deliberate fires have reduced significantly to 46 incidents, representing one of the lowest quarterly totals in the four year trend. This is a strong indicator of effective partnership working, targeted youth engagement, and seasonal prevention activity. The majority of incidents involve refuse and outdoor materials, which aligns with typical patterns and presents opportunities for continued collaboration with local partners on environmental improvements. 202605/01/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Johnstone South & Elderslie Paisley East & Central Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & … Paisley Northeast & Ralston Paisley Southeast Paisley Southwest Paisley Northwest Erskine & Inchinnan Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Renfrew North & Braehead Renfrew South & Gallowhill 8 7 6 5 4 4 4 3 2 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 100 200 46 Deliberate Fires in this period 2025-26 Q3 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
Page 10
7. Non-Domestic Fires Non Domestic Fires remain very low at 7 incidents, continuing a stable long-term trend. The majority of incidents were minor, with most limited to the item first ignited or the room of origin. This reflects strong compliance with fire safety standards and the positive impact of ongoing fire safety enforcement and engagement with dutyholders. 202605/01/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Non-Domestic Fires in this period 2025-26 Q3 Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Retail 2 Education 1 Residential Home 1 Sheltered Housing - not self contained 1 Student Hall of Residence 1 Transport buildings 1 5 (71.4%) 2 (28.6%) Accidental Deliberate Incidents by Ward Paisley Northeast & Ralston Paisley Northwest Paisley East & Central Paisley Southwest Renfrew South & Gallowhill 2 2 1 1 1 Extent of Damage Not applicable Limited to item 1st ignited Limited to room of origin 4 2 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 5 10 15 20 7
Page 11
8. Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals UFAS incidents remain low at 67, consistent with the improved levels seen since the implementation of the revised UFAS policy. This demonstrates the continued effectiveness of call challenge procedures and engagement with premises responsible persons. The concentration of incidents in healthcare and residential settings is expected due to the nature of these environments, and ongoing work with these sectors continues to yield positive results. 202605/01/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals in this period 2025-26 Q3 Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Hospitals and medical care 16 Residential Home 14 Sheltered Housing - not self contained 11 Student Hall of Residence 7 Other Residential Home 5 Hotel/motel 4 Education 3 Entertainment and culture 2 Retail 2 Food and Drink 1 Industrial Manufacturing 1 Offices and call centres 1 Incidents by Ward Paisley Northwest Paisley East & Central Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwoo… Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Paisley Northeast & Ralston Johnstone South & Elderslie Paisley Southeast Renfrew South & Gallowhill Renfrew North & Braehead Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Erskine & Inchinnan 18 10 7 6 6 5 5 4 3 2 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 100 200 300 67
Page 12
9. Road Traffic Collisions RTC activity remains steady at 14 incidents, aligning with the longer term trend. Casualties remain low, with only three slight injuries and no fatalities. The number of rescues demonstrates the Service’s continued capability in providing critical support at complex incidents. Ward distribution shows no significant concentration, indicating a broadly consistent risk profile across the area. 202605/01/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Road Traffic Collisions in this period Non-Fatal Casualties Fatal Casualties People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries Hospital Serious Injuries 2025-26 Q3 Incidents by Ward Paisley Northwest Renfrew South & Gallowhill Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & … Johnstone South & Elderslie Paisley Northeast & Ralston Paisley Southwest Renfrew North & Braehead 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 10 15 20 25 30 14 3 0 1 0 3 0 Property Type Incidents Car 12 Other 1 Van 1 Incident Type Incidents Vehicle (Non-fire) 10 Other Non-Fire 3 Inter-Agency 1
Page 13
10. Home Fire Safety Visits 202605/01/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 11. Fire Safety Enforcement Job Type Count Audit 33 Specific Visit 3 Consultation 1 The delivery of 125 Home Fire Safety Visits this quarter reflects strong community engagement and continued prioritisation of vulnerable individuals. The distribution across wards demonstrates effective targeting and partnership working, ensuring that prevention activity reaches those most at risk. Audits by Ward Paisley Northwest Paisley East & Central Paisley Northeast & Ralston Renfrew South & Gallowhill Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & Loch… Paisley Southwest Johnstone South & Elderslie Renfrew North & Braehead 13 5 4 4 3 2 1 1 2025-26 Q3 HFSVs by Ward Renfrew North & Braehead Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & Loch… Johnstone South & Elderslie Paisley Northwest Erskine & Inchinnan Paisley Southwest Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Renfrew South & Gallowhill Paisley Northeast & Ralston Paisley Southeast Paisley East & Central Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank 17 15 15 14 13 11 9 9 8 7 6 1 Home Fire Safety Visits 125
Page 14
12. Community Safety & Engagement Community Safety & Engagement activity continues to play a vital role in reducing risk and supporting positive outcomes across Renfrewshire. The ongoing delivery of targeted initiatives, partnership programmes, and educational activities contributes significantly to the positive trends seen in deliberate fires, accidental dwelling fires, and UFAS reductions. Bonfire Period Success Our Primary School Engagement Programme, primarily led by station personnel, delivered over 42 Bonfire Safety Talks, reaching 3,600 pupils across ERRI (East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire & Inverclyde) during this safety critical period. This proactive approach reinforced key fire safety messages and helped reduce risk across our communities. We received excellent feedback on the positive work carried out to support the prevention effort within the area during this busy bonfire period. This positive response reflects the commitment and professionalism of our teams in delivering key safety messages and engaging effectively with young people in our communities. Road Safety Week Took place from 16–22 November, with this year’s theme 'Safe Vehicles Save Lives'. As Scotland’s population continues to age, we are seeing an increase in drivers over 60 being involved in serious road traffic collisions. In 2023, 23% of car drivers killed or seriously injured were aged over 60. To address this, our Community Action Team (CAT), worked alongside Police Scotland and other local partners to engage directly with older drivers to provide tailored advice aimed at keeping them safe and confident on the road. The engagement events offered guidance on: • Safe driving practices for older motorists • Updates to the Highway Code and new vehicle technology • The importance of regular eyesight and health checks • Adapting driving habits to changing abilities • Access to refresher courses and support services These events were well received and gave us the chance to interact with shoppers of all ages, share practical tips on vehicle safety, and promote wider community safety initiatives. This outreach not only raised awareness about reducing road risk, but also strengthened our relationship with the public, demonstrating how SFRS works beyond emergency response to keep communities safe. Renfrewshire Food Bank Station personnel responded to the appeal for more support for the Food Bank by using social media to encourage donations to be dropped off at any of the local stations, making it easier and more accessible for those wishing to donate. Drive-Through Santa's Grotto Renfrew Community Fire Station held a free drive-through Santa's Grotto, where children could visit the station and receive a gift from Santa. Community events such as these help build relations and offer the Firefighters an opportunity to bring some festive cheer and positivity to our local communities. 202605/01/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 2025-26 Q3
Page 15
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. 202605/01/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
Page 16
Design, figures and charts by the Business Intelligence team.