Renfrewshire Local Authority Scrutiny Report Template - Q1 2026_27 1
Renfrewshire Council · 18 August 2026
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Sub-Committee — 18 August 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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2026-27 Q1 All Renfrewshire Scrutiny Report 2026-27 Q1 Renfrewshire
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202627/07/26 © 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 2026-27 Q1 Renfrewshire
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2026-27 Q11. Summary 216 Fires 151 245 False Alarms 664 19 0 1 Fire Fatalities 20 3 68 UFAS During Q1 2026/27, SFRS attended 664 incidents across Renfrewshire, comprising 216 fires, 151 non-fire incidents and 245 false alarms. The quarter was marked by the tragic occurrence of a fire fatality, reinforcing the importance of continued prevention activity and targeted support for vulnerable members of our communities. Overall performance during Q1 shows a mixed picture. Accidental Dwelling Fires numbered 32 incidents during Q1 2026/27 and deliberate fires remain one of the most significant areas of operational demand, recording 123 incidents. UFAS attendances reduced substantially to 68 incidents, representing a positive outcome and improved operational availability. Road Traffic Collisions remained stable at 16 incidents, consistent with recent performance trends. 202627/07/26 © 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 Fire (Outdoor) False Alarm (Due to Apparatus) False Alarm (UFAS) Inter-Agency Incomplete (Incomplete) Fire (Building) False Alarm (Good Intent) Flooding / Water Rescue Fire (Vehicle) Humanitarian 147 122 68 68 52 45 43 25 24 18 Fire Safety AuditsHome Fire Safety Visits Total Incidents (Incl. Incompletes) 51202
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2. Trends Previous 16 quarters (4 years) 202627/07/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Accidental Dwelling Fires 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 2025-26 Q4 2026-27 Q1 41 32 47 1524 38 23 32 3432 36 36 36 3032 27 Deliberate Fires 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 2025-26 Q4 2026-27 Q1 136 123 200 74 163 96 82 86 135 98 117107 85 83 138 123 Non-Domestic Fires 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 2025-26 Q4 2026-27 Q1 8 4 20 4 15 8 8 9 11 12 11 10 910 1213 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals 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 2025-26 Q4 2026-27 Q1 284 68 318 100 110123118 95 93 245 108 102 95 103 268 112 Road Traffic Collisions 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 2025-26 Q4 2026-27 Q1 26 16 10 14 25 16 23 20 12 2122 18 21 1718 18
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2. Trends 202627/07/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Previous 16 quarters (4 years) Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties 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 2025-26 Q4 2026-27 Q1 4 1 9 2 7 33 4 55 2 33 5 2 2 Non-Fire Casualties 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 2025-26 Q4 2026-27 Q1 24 23 26 5 25 11 15 22 1920 21 14 24 21 20 14 Road Traffic Collision Casualties 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 2025-26 Q4 2026-27 Q1 16 11 3 3 5 15 13 14 8 15 9 10 14 13 5 4 Home Fire Safety Visits 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 2025-26 Q4 2026-27 Q1 280 202 332 129 290 260 321 230 185 179 287 308 295 275 177 284 Fire Safety Audits 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 2025-26 Q4 2026-27 Q1 40 51 90 33 38 46 66 65 44 74 59 70 62 42 50 47
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Renfrewshire recorded 32 Accidental Dwelling Fires during Q1. Cooking-related fires remain the primary cause of accidental dwelling fires, reflecting a consistent trend observed nationally and locally. The majority of incidents were contained to the item first ignited or the room of origin, demonstrating the effectiveness of early detection, occupant intervention and operational response. The highest concentrations of incidents were recorded within Johnstone South & Elderslie and Paisley Northwest. 202627/07/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Accidental Dwelling Fires in this period Extent of Damage Incidents Not applicable 15 Limited to item 1st ignited 6 Limited to room of origin 5 Limited to floor of origin (not whole building) 2 Roof space and other floors(s) 2 External roof only 1 Roof space only 1 Source of Ignition (Top 10) Cooking appliance Electricity supply Matches and candles Other domestic style appliance Smoking Related Fuel/chemical related Natural occurrence Not known 17 4 3 3 2 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 20 30 40 50 32 Incidents by Ward Johnstone South & Elderslie Paisley Northwest Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & … Paisley Southwest Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Erskine & Inchinnan Paisley East & Central Paisley Northeast & Ralston Renfrew North & Braehead Paisley Southeast Renfrew South & Gallowhill 5 5 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2026-27 Q13. Accidental Dwelling Fires
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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 Although accidental dwelling fire casualties remain comparatively low, the quarter was impacted by a fire fatality, underlining the devastating consequences that fire can have within the home. Reducing deaths and injuries remains the primary objective of SFRS prevention activity. It highlights the continuing importance of targeted prevention activity, particularly amongst vulnerable households and those with identified risk factors. SFRS continues to work with partners to identify these individuals and households. Home Fire Safety Visits, community safety engagement and partnership interventions continue to target those most at risk from fire. Learning identified through post-incident reviews and fire investigations will continue to inform future prevention strategies and partnership activity. 202627/07/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Casualties by Ward Houston, Crosslee & Linwood 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 2026-27 Q1 0 1 0 0 0 0
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5. Non-Fire Casualties 202627/07/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Non-fire incidents continue to form a significant element of operational demand. During Q1, SFRS responded to a range of special service incidents including rescues, flooding, humanitarian assistance and support to partner agencies. SFRS recorded 20 non-fire casualties and 3 fatalities. Casualties were recorded across several wards, with Paisley Northwest experiencing the highest concentration. This activity highlights the increasingly broad role of SFRS in protecting communities beyond traditional fire response and supports the Community Planning Partnership objective of improving health, wellbeing and community resilience. Continued partnership working with health, social care and emergency service partners supports Renfrewshire's ambition to improve wellbeing outcomes and protect vulnerable individuals. Casualties by Ward Paisley Northwest Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, How… Paisley East & Central Paisley Southeast Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Renfrew North & Braehead Erskine & Inchinnan Paisley Northeast & Ralston Paisley Southwest Renfrew South & Gallowhill 6 3 3 3 2 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 Chest / Abdominal injury 3 Not known 3 Other physical injury 3 Back / Neck injury (spinal) 2 Bruising 2 Collapse 2 Cuts/Lacerations 2 Head injury 2 Other medical condition 2 Chest pain / Heart condition / Cardiac arrest 1 Fracture 1 2026-27 Q1 20 3 19 2 14 4
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6. Deliberate Fires Property Type Incident Refuse 54 Grassland, woodland and crops 37 Road Vehicle 10 Other outdoors (including land) 8 Dwelling 5 Non Residential 4 Outdoor equipment and machinery 2 Outdoor structures 2 Other Residential 1 There were 123 deliberate fires during Q1, representing a notable increase compared with the previous quarter, but aligning with previous Q1 figures. The majority involved refuse and grassland fires, which together accounted for over 70% of incidents. Incidents were concentrated within Johnstone South & Elderslie, Houston, Crosslee & Linwood and Paisley Northwest. Deliberate fire setting continues to place demands on operational resources and can impact community wellbeing and environmental quality. Targeted prevention, youth engagement and multi-agency community safety initiatives remain important in addressing the causes and consequences of fire-setting behaviour. Partnership working with Renfrewshire Council, Police Scotland and local communities will remain essential in reducing fire-setting behaviour and supporting safer neighbourhoods. 202627/07/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Johnstone South & Elderslie Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Paisley Northwest Renfrew South & Gallowhill Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & … Paisley Southwest Paisley East & Central Erskine & Inchinnan Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Paisley Northeast & Ralston Renfrew North & Braehead Paisley Southeast 20 16 15 14 12 12 9 6 5 5 5 4 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 100 150 200 123 Deliberate Fires in this period 2026-27 Q1 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
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7. Non-Domestic Fires Renfrewshire experienced 4 Non-Domestic Fires during Q1, representing a relatively low level of risk across the local business and public sector estate. Three of the incidents were accidental and one was deliberate. The incidents occurred across a range of property types including education, office, retail and vehicle repair premises. Continued enforcement, engagement and audit activity will support compliance with fire safety legislation and contribute to safer workplaces and public buildings throughout Renfrewshire. 202627/07/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Non-Domestic Fires in this period 2026-27 Q1 Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Education 1 Offices and call centres 1 Retail 1 Vehicle Repair 1 3 (75.0%) 1 (25.0%) Accidental Deliberate Incidents by Ward Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Erskine & Inchinnan Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & … Renfrew South & Gallowhill 1 1 1 1 Extent of Damage Not applicable Limited to 2 floors (not whole building) Whole building 2 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 5 10 15 20 4
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8. Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals UFAS activity reduced to 68 incidents, representing the lowest quarterly total within the four-year reporting period. The majority of attendances originated from complex residential, healthcare and sheltered housing environments where automatic detection systems are prevalent. This reduction demonstrates the positive impact of ongoing engagement with responsible persons and reflects improved management of automatic fire alarm systems. Reduced UFAS demand helps improve appliance availability for genuine emergencies while maintaining appropriate protection for vulnerable premises. This supports SFRS's commitment to efficient use of resources and improved operational availability. 202627/07/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals in this period 2026-27 Q1 Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Residential Home 20 Sheltered Housing - not self contained 13 Hospitals and medical care 10 Hotel/motel 5 Student Hall of Residence 5 Hostel (e.g. for homeless people) 4 Offices and call centres 3 Youth hostel 2 Food and Drink 1 Industrial Manufacturing 1 Industrial Processing 1 Other Residential Home 1 Retail 1 Sporting venues 1 Incidents by Ward Paisley Northwest Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwoo… Johnstone South & Elderslie Paisley East & Central Renfrew North & Braehead Renfrew South & Gallowhill Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Paisley Northeast & Ralston Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Paisley Southwest Erskine & Inchinnan Paisley Southeast 15 8 8 7 7 7 6 4 2 2 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 100 200 300 68
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9. Road Traffic Collisions SFRS attended 16 Road Traffic Collisions during the quarter, consistent with the stable trend evident across the reporting period. Most incidents involved cars, with Paisley Northwest recording the highest number of attendances. Road traffic incidents continue to contribute significantly to serious injuries and demand on emergency services. Partnership work through local road safety initiatives remains important in reducing casualties, supporting safer travel and contributing to community wellbeing outcomes. 202627/07/26 © 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 2026-27 Q1 Incidents by Ward Paisley Northwest Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & … Paisley Southeast Erskine & Inchinnan Paisley East & Central Renfrew North & Braehead Renfrew South & Gallowhill 4 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 10 15 20 25 30 16 11 0 3 1 7 3 Property Type Incidents Car 15 Motorcycle 1 Incident Type Incidents Vehicle (Non-fire) 16
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10. Home Fire Safety Visits 202627/07/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 11. Fire Safety Enforcement Job Type Count Audit 51 Specific Visit 4 Prevention activity remains a key component of SFRS's approach to reducing accidental dwelling fires, casualties and fire fatalities. Delivery continues to support both national prevention priorities and Renfrewshire Council's ambition to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes for vulnerable residents. HFSV performance remains strong. This preventative activity continues to play a key role in reducing accidental dwelling fires. The programme of audits supports compliance with fire safety legislation, protects employees, residents and visitors, and contributes to safer communities. This work aligns directly with SFRS protection priorities and Renfrewshire's objective of supporting sustainable and resilient places. Audits by Ward Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Paisley Northwest Renfrew South & Gallowhill Paisley East & Central Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & Loch… Johnstone South & Elderslie Paisley Southeast Erskine & Inchinnan Paisley Northeast & Ralston Paisley Southwest Renfrew North & Braehead 16 8 6 4 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 2026-27 Q1 HFSVs by Ward Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & Loch… Renfrew South & Gallowhill Paisley Southwest Renfrew North & Braehead Paisley Northwest Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Johnstone South & Elderslie Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Erskine & Inchinnan Paisley East & Central Paisley Northeast & Ralston Paisley Southeast 28 23 22 21 20 18 16 15 12 9 9 9 Home Fire Safety Visits 202
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12. Community Safety & Engagement Community Safety and Engagement activity during Q1 continued to support local and national prevention priorities through partnership working, public education, prevention campaigns and engagement with vulnerable groups. Particular emphasis remained on reducing fire risk within the home, supporting community resilience and delivering targeted interventions in areas experiencing higher levels of fire incidents and social vulnerability. Ongoing collaboration with community planning partners remains essential in addressing the root causes of risk, reducing inequalities and improving safety outcomes across the area. COMMUNITY SAFETY EVENTS Johnstone Fire Station successfully hosted its Open Day on 13 June in support of The Fire Fighters Charity, raising valuable funds while strengthening links with the local community. Across the area, crews have continued to support station car washes, open days and local fundraising initiatives, with excellent engagement from members of the public. DELIBERATE FIRE SETTING AND ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Crews share any relevant Community Intelligence Reports relating to deliberate fire setting or anti-social behaviour with the Community Action Team (CAT). This intelligence can then be shared with partner agencies for appropriate follow-up action. Sharing this information plays a key role in supporting prevention work and reducing risk within our communities. ROAD SAFETY Road safety remains a key priority across our communities, and our crews make use of the resources available through Road Safety Scotland when planning and delivering community safety activities, often in conjunction with our Police Scotland colleagues. These campaigns are used to support station activities, local events, school engagement and partnership working. Road traffic collisions continue to place significant demand on emergency services. By delivering road safety initiatives and promoting safer road user behaviours, crews can help reduce risk, prevent injuries and support the wider prevention agenda. WATER SAFETY Operational crews, along with the CAT, have engaged with the local community to advise on safety in and around the water, with a focus on known local hot spots and swimming pools. Water safety education forms part of the structured visits to local schools as part of the Thematic Action Plan. HFSV PARTNER REFFERAL APPLICATION SFRS has launched a Home Fire Safety Visit (HFSV) partner application, which is live across East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. The Community Action Team (CAT) have been working with partner organisations to support the rollout. To access the system, partner organisations must first complete a Data Sharing Framework (DSF) via the online portal. Once this is approved, staff can register, complete the required training and begin submitting referrals through the new system. FIRE ENGINE RALLY On 15th August 2026, the Scottish Fire Brigades Heritage Trust are staging a fire engine rally, with a parade of fire engines from Johnstone Fire Station and finishing at Houston Square. These events provide excellent opportunities to engage with our communities, showcase the work of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and continue supporting a range of worthwhile charitable causes. 202627/07/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 2026-27 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. 202627/07/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
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