Renfrewshire Local Authority Scrutiny Report 2025_2026 Q2 Oct 25
Renfrewshire Council · 28 October 2025
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Sub-Committee — 28 October 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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2025-26 Q2 All Renfrewshire Scrutiny Report 2025-26 Q2 Renfrewshire
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202506/10/25 © 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. 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 Q2 Renfrewshire
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2025-26 Q21. Summary 135 Fires 122 325 False Alarms 582 20 3 0 Fire Fatalities 9 2 108 UFAS Renfrewshire has experienced a balanced operational quarter, with incident levels remaining consistent and reflective of effective risk management and prevention activity. Fire-related fatalities were recorded at zero, and the number of non-fire incidents attended highlight the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s wider role in supporting community resilience through multi-agency working. The reduction in Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) continues to demonstrate the success of the revised UFAS policy, enabling the Service to prioritise higher-risk activities and targeted prevention work across the area. 202506/10/25 © 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 False Alarm (Due to Apparatus) False Alarm (UFAS) Fire (Outdoor) False Alarm (Good Intent) Inter-Agency Fire (Building) Vehicle (Non-fire) Fire (Vehicle) Flooding / Water Rescue Other Non-Fire 133 108 83 77 54 35 21 17 17 13 Fire Safety AuditsHome Fire Safety Visits Total Incidents (Incl. Incompletes) 66185
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2. Trends Previous 16 quarters (4 years) 202506/10/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Accidental Dwelling Fires 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 2025-26 Q2 36 21 47 1524 3841 3232 3235 36 36 36 32 28 Deliberate Fires 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 2025-26 Q2 98 79 218 82 200 163 9686 135 98 117131 136 107 138 123 Non-Domestic Fires 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 2025-26 Q2 9 3 20 8 17 14 8 8 9 11 11 11 10 910 13 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals 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 2025-26 Q2 283 108 318 95100 228 123118 245 108 262 284 102 95 268 112 Road Traffic Collisions 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 2025-26 Q2 20 18 26 10 14 25 16 23 20 22 18 21 17 20 18 18
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2. Trends 202506/10/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Previous 16 quarters (4 years) Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties 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 2025-26 Q2 1 3 9 2 7 1 3 3 4 55 2 3 5 2 2 Non-Fire Casualties 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 2025-26 Q2 19 11 26 5 25 15 22 15 1920 21 24 21 2021 24 Road Traffic Collision Casualties 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 2025-26 Q2 6 5 16 3 5 15 13 8 1415 99 10 10 14 13 Home Fire Safety Visits 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 2025-26 Q2 392 185 130 280 290 332 260 321 287 300 308 295 275 181 304 284 Fire Safety Audits 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 2025-26 Q2 28 6690 13 38 46 66 44 47 74 59 40 70 62 42 50
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Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADFs) remain stable, with the majority confined to the item first ignited or room of origin, indicating prompt detection and an effective response being provided by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Cooking appliances continue to be the most common ignition source, reinforcing the value of sustained education on kitchen safety. Distribution across wards shows no significant concentration of risk, confirming that community safety engagement and Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) are effectively mitigating potential incidents across Renfrewshire. 202506/10/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Accidental Dwelling Fires in this period Extent of Damage Incidents Not applicable 12 Limited to item 1st ignited 4 Limited to room of origin 4 Affecting more than 2 floors (not whole building) 1 Source of Ignition (Top 10) Cooking appliance Smoking Related Other domestic style appliance Not known Electricity supply Heating equipment Matches and candles 8 5 3 2 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 20 30 40 50 21 Incidents by Ward Renfrew North & Braehead Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & … Paisley Northwest Johnstone South & Elderslie Paisley East & Central Paisley Southeast Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Erskine & Inchinnan Paisley Northeast & Ralston Paisley Southwest Renfrew South & Gallowhill 4 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2025-26 Q23. Accidental Dwelling Fires
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4. Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Non-Fatal Casualties Fatal Casualties Nature of Injury/Cause of Death Casualties Burns - slight 1 Fracture 1 Overcome by gas, smoke or toxic fumes; asphyxiation 1 During this reporting period, it is reassuring to note that there were no fatal casualties, and only a small number of minor injuries resulting from accidental dwelling fires. The prompt intervention of operational crews, coupled with increased community awareness and effective fire detection, has significantly limited the severity of harm. These outcomes demonstrate the ongoing success of SFRS prevention initiatives and response readiness across Renfrewshire. 202506/10/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Casualties by Ward Paisley Southwest Johnstone South & Elderslie 2 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 Q2 3 0 2 0 3 0
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5. Non-Fire Casualties 202506/10/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Non-fire casualty figures remain low and manageable, with those affected receiving timely medical assistance. The range of incident types—spanning medical emergencies and rescues—reflects the evolving and multi-faceted role of the SFRS in safeguarding communities beyond traditional fire response. Strong partnership arrangements continue to ensure effective outcomes and a high standard of support within our community. Where Fire and Rescue personnel identify an individual at risk, or who is identified as an increased risk from harm, they are referred to the appropriate partner agency to be assessed for additional support. Casualties by Ward Johnstone South & Elderslie Paisley Northwest Renfrew South & Gallowhill Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, How… Paisley Northeast & Ralston 3 3 2 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 pain / Heart condition / Cardiac arrest 2 Fracture 2 Unconscious, fitting or unresponsive (no other evident significant injury) 2 Back / Neck injury (spinal) 1 Bruising 1 Chest / Abdominal injury 1 Collapse 1 Other medical condition 1 2025-26 Q2 9 2 18 0 7 2
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6. Deliberate Fires Property Type Incident Refuse 39 Grassland, woodland and crops 11 Other outdoors (including land) 10 Road Vehicle 9 Non Residential 6 Dwelling 2 Outdoor structures 2 The number of deliberate fires shows a notable reduction from previous peaks, evidencing the effectiveness of partnership -led prevention strategies. The majority of incidents involved refuse and grassland, with no significant escalation in severity. Targeted work with Police Scotland colleagues, education providers, and third sector partners continues to yield positive results in discouraging fire-related antisocial behaviour. 202506/10/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Paisley Northwest Johnstone South & Elderslie Paisley East & Central Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & … Renfrew North & Braehead Renfrew South & Gallowhill Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Paisley Northeast & Ralston Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Erskine & Inchinnan Paisley Southeast Paisley Southwest 17 12 12 8 7 7 4 4 2 2 2 2 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 50 100 150 200 250 79 Deliberate Fires in this period 2025-26 Q2 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 Non-domestic fire activity remains at a very low level, with incidents primarily minor and well contained. This stability highlights the effectiveness of the SFRS’s fire safety enforcement and advisory functions, which continue to support compliance and safety standards across business and educational premises. The low frequency and limited damage profile reflect a mature and cooperative safety culture within the local business community. 202506/10/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Non-Domestic Fires in this period 2025-26 Q2 Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Student Hall of Residence 2 Permanent Agricultural 1 2 (66.7%) (33.3%) 1 Accidental Deliberate Incidents by Ward Paisley Northwest Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank 2 1 Extent of Damage Limited to item 1st ignited Not applicable Whole building 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 5 10 15 20 3
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8. Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Compared to Q2 figures from previous years, UFAS incidents have continued to decline, demonstrating the sustained effectiveness of the UFAS response policy changes implemented in 2023. The majority of activations occurred in residential and care settings, where SFRS maintains ongoing engagement with dutyholders to promote alarm system management and false alarm reduction. These improvements contribute to greater operational efficiency and ensure resources remain available for higher-risk incidents and prevention work. 202506/10/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals in this period 2025-26 Q2 Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Residential Home 42 Hospitals and medical care 22 Sheltered Housing - not self contained 18 Student Hall of Residence 11 Hotel/motel 5 Offices and call centres 3 Retail 2 Boarding House/B&B for homeless/asylum seekers 1 Boarding School accommodation 1 Food and Drink 1 Industrial Manufacturing 1 Public admin, security and safety 1 Incidents by Ward Paisley Northwest Paisley East & Central Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Paisley Southeast Johnstone South & Elderslie Renfrew South & Gallowhill Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwoo… Paisley Northeast & Ralston Renfrew North & Braehead Paisley Southwest 28 15 11 10 9 9 6 6 6 6 2 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 100 200 300 108
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9. Road Traffic Collisions Road Traffic Collision (RTC) activity remains stable, with low casualty numbers recorded. The swift and coordinated response of SFRS crews, working alongside partner agencies, continues to ensure the effective rescue and care of those involved. SFRS continues to identify community safety engagement opportunities as part of our wider Road Safety Prevention Strategy. 202506/10/25 © 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 Q2 Incidents by Ward Paisley Northwest Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Renfrew South & Gallowhill Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & … Johnstone South & Elderslie Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Renfrew North & Braehead 6 3 3 2 2 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 10 15 20 25 30 18 5 0 2 0 3 2 Property Type Incidents Car 15 Van 2 Multiple Vehicles 1 Incident Type Incidents Vehicle (Non-fire) 17 Inter-Agency 1
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10. Home Fire Safety Visits 202506/10/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 11. Fire Safety Enforcement Job Type Count Audit 66 Specific Visit 3 SFRS personnel conducted 185 Home Fire Safety Visits across Renfrewshire. Visits target high-risk households, supported by strong referral networks through health, housing, and social care partners, reinforcing SFRS's commitment to early intervention, vulnerability reduction and improved home safety outcomes across the community. A total of 66 fire safety audits were undertaken during the reporting period and underscores the robust and proactive approach to regulatory compliance, focusing on higher-risk and priority premises. Positive engagement with dutyholders reflect a shared commitment to maintaining safe and compliant environments throughout Renfrewshire. Audits by Ward Paisley Northwest Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & Loch… Johnstone South & Elderslie Renfrew South & Gallowhill Paisley Southeast Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Paisley East & Central Renfrew North & Braehead Paisley Northeast & Ralston Erskine & Inchinnan Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Paisley Southwest 17 11 7 7 5 4 4 4 3 2 1 1 2025-26 Q2 HFSVs by Ward Renfrew North & Braehead Johnstone South & Elderslie Erskine & Inchinnan Renfrew South & Gallowhill Paisley Northwest Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & Loch… Paisley Southwest Paisley Southeast Houston, Crosslee & Linwood Paisley East & Central Paisley Northeast & Ralston Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank 24 22 20 19 18 16 16 13 12 12 7 6 Home Fire Safety Visits 185
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12. Community Safety & Engagement The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Prevention Strategy focuses on reducing risk and enhancing community safety through proactive measures. It prioritises targeted interventions, data-driven prevention, and partnership working to address emerging threats such as health inequalities and vulnerabilities in ageing populations, aiming to prevent incidents before they occur and build resilient communities. SFRS continues to deliver a comprehensive programme of community safety and engagement activity, driven by a prevention-first ethos that underpins all local operations. These efforts demonstrate the ongoing commitment to partnership inclusion and the shared goal of keeping Renfrewshire’s communities safe from harm. Q2 was a busy period, with continuing engagement for young people across schools and youth groups in the area, delivering talks on Deliberate Fire Setting, Water Safety and Road Safety. These are areas of priority for SFRS throughout Summer as part of the Thematic Action Plan (TAP) and are delivered as a partnership approach with Police Scotland, Local Councils and Community Learning and Development Teams within the area. Schools Engagement 2025-2026 programme got underway, in partnership with Education providers across Renfrewshire. This involves Fire Skills courses and delivery of our ERRI Education Syllabus throughout the coming school year, where operational crews deliver a rolling engagement programme, supported by the Community Action Team. Fire Skills FireSkills is a flexible programme, consisting of a series of individual sessions based on firefighter drills adapted to provide a unique learning experience for young people. Courses for targeted young persons within Renfrewshire are currently being delivered at Johnstone Community Fire Station. Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) To address ASB within Renfrewshire, we attend daily partnership meetings with Renfrewshire Council and other agencies, identifying trends and working together to resolve ASB. The Community Action Team provides support to young people and their families by a trained Fire Setter Adviser. In addition, young persons involved in fire setting or fire-related ASB may be allocated a place on a suitable youth diversion or youth justice programme, aimed at promoting behavioural change and improving citizenship. Sheltered Housing Delivering Fire Safety Talks and offering Fire Safety Educational Training (FSET) to staff at all sites within Renfrewshire. Ready to Talk Our Community Action Team are working in conjunction with this Renfrewshire-based campaign, which aims to keep young people safe from child sexual exploitation (CSE) by recognising the importance of having supportive conversations about (un)healthy relationships. 202506/10/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 2025-26 Q2
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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. 202506/10/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
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Design, figures and charts by the Business Intelligence team.