Item 7b - SFRS Scrutiny Report Q1 25-26
West Dunbartonshire Council · 20 August 2025
Back to Housing & Communities Committee — 20 August 2025 and its agenda
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Scrutiny Report 2025-26 Q1 West Dunbartonshire Performance and Scrutiny Group West Dunbartonshire ITEM 7b
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202531/07/25 © 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 West Dunbartonshire Performance and Scrutiny Group West Dunbartonshire
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1. Summary 245 Fires 54 151 False Alarms 450 15 2 0 Fire Fatalities 3 0 46 UFAS 202531/07/25 © 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 (Good Intent) False Alarm (UFAS) Fire (Building) False Alarm (Due to Apparatus) Inter-Agency Fire (Vehicle) Humanitarian Animal Assistance Vehicle (Non-fire) 188 60 46 44 41 21 13 10 8 6 2025-26 Q1 Fire Safety AuditsHome Fire Safety Visits Total Incidents (Incl. Incompletes) In this report, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service(SFRS) has demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety. We attended a range of operational incidents, which are detailed above. Home Fire Safety Visits(HFSV) continue to be a priority. Details of our new HSFV referral pathway are included in section 12 of the report. Fire safety audits and community engagement initiatives remain proactive measures, ensuring our communities are safer places to work, live, and visit. The overall trend in this report reflects a steady management of all incidents, with fluctuations reflecting seasonal variations. Accidental dwelling fires are well monitored, while the service also continues to focus on reducing deliberate fires and non-fire incidents. The data provided highlights a well-coordinated approach to fire prevention and emergency response.
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2. Trends 202531/07/25 © 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 31 29 34 18 23 33 33 24 26 29 27 25 29 26 29 31 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 111 182 30 178 45 168 70 71 84 65 87 49 73 94 90 56 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 11 3 4 10 9 4 6 8 7 56 5 7 6 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 144 46 25 136 83 52 119 101 31 51 101 123 34 3542 108 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 8 5 11 2 9 4 4 3 8 7 5 6 7 5 5 6 Previous 16 quarters (4 years)
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3. Accidental Dwelling Fires Extent of Damage Incidents Not applicable 17 Limited to item 1st ignited 7 Limited to floor of origin (not whole building) 2 Limited to room of origin 2 Limited to 2 floors (not whole building) 1 202531/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Source of Ignition (Top 10) Cooking appliance Electricity supply Other domestic style appliance Industrial equipment Smoking Related 19 5 3 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 15 20 25 30 35 29 Accidental Dwelling Fires in this period 2025-26 Q1 Incidents by Ward Clydebank Central Clydebank Waterfront Dumbarton Leven Kilpatrick Lomond 10 8 4 4 2 1 SFRS is dedicated to reducing accidental dwelling fires in domestic properties across Scotland. This commitment is evident through our proactive measures, community engagement, and continuous improvement strategies. SFRS employs a range of proactive measures to prevent fires before they start. One of their key initiatives is the HFSV program, where Community Action Teams and Operational Crews visit homes to assess fire risks and provide tailored advice on fire prevention. These visits often include the installation of smoke alarms and heat detectors to comply with Scottish Government legislation thus ensuring that homes are equipped to detect fires early. Over this quarterly reporting period we see a decrease in accidental dwelling fires across West Dunbartonshire from 31 to 29.
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4. Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Non-Fatal Casualties 2 Fatal Casualties 0 Nature of Injury/Cause of Death Casualties Burns - slight 1 Overcome by gas, smoke or toxic fumes; asphyxiation 1 202531/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Casualties by Ward Clydebank Waterfront 2 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 5 10 0 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) 1 1 First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries 0 Hospital Serious Injuries 2025-26 Q1 SFRS is committed to reducing accidental dwelling fire casualties across all communities in Scotland. This dedication is reflected in our comprehensive reduction strategies, community-focused initiatives, and continuous efforts to improve fire safety. Through strategic initiatives, community engagement, a data-driven approach, support for vulnerable groups, and continuous improvement, we strive to make every home in Scotland safer. Our efforts not only save lives but also foster a culture of fire safety awareness and prevention within our communities. Over this reporting period we have seen a decrease in accidental dwelling fire casualties from the previous quarter, from 9 to 2, which we will continue to monitor. There were no fatal dwelling fire casualties over this recording period.
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5. Non-Fire Casualties 202531/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Casualties by Ward Dumbarton Clydebank Waterfront 2 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 5 10 Non-Fatal Casualties 3 Fatal Casualties 0 15 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) 0 3 First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries 0 Hospital Serious Injuries Nature of Injury/Cause of Death Casualties Fracture 1 Head injury 1 Unconscious, fitting or unresponsive (no other evident significant injury) 1 2025-26 Q1 Non- fire casualties encompass all other incidents we attend, including road traffic collisions, water rescues, and other specialist type incidents that do not involve fire. Over this recording period we have seen a decrease from 14 to 3 non-fire casualties, which we will continue to monitor. As "Non-Fire Casualties" this number represents casualties from inter-agency incidents, where we attended to assist our emergency service partner agencies, such as Police Scotland and Scottish Ambulance Service.
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6. Deliberate Fires Property Type Incident Grassland, woodland and crops 93 Refuse 46 Other outdoors (including land) 20 Road Vehicle 7 Dwelling 6 Non Residential 5 Outdoor structures 5 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 202531/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Clydebank Waterfront Leven Kilpatrick Clydebank Central Dumbarton Lomond 47 37 33 23 23 19 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 50 100 150 200 182 Deliberate Fires in this period 2025-26 Q1 We are committed to reducing deliberate fire setting, recognising the significant dangers it poses to communities and the environment. Deliberate fires can endanger lives, cause property damage, and divert valuable resources away from genuine emergencies. We have several strategies to reduce this type of incident including: Community Engagement: We actively engage with communities to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of deliberate fire setting. This includes educational programs aimed at children and young people in West Dunbartonshire Schools. For example, our Fire Skills program, which we relaunched in West Dunbartonshire in this recording period. Collaboration with Partners: We collaborate with various partners, including Police Scotland, Community Wardens and with local schools. Reporting and Prevention: We encourage the public to report any suspicious activities or build-up of rubbish that could potentially be set on fire. We have seen a rise from 71 to 182 deliberate fires (Q4 to Q1). This is in keeping with impact of seasonal move from Winter to Spring.
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7. Non-Domestic Fires Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Education 2 Car Parks 1 Entertainment and culture 1 Hospitals and medical care 1 Offices and call centres 1 (50.0%)(50.0%) 33 Accidental Deliberate 202531/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Clydebank Waterfront Leven Dumbarton Lomond 2 2 1 1 Extent of Damage Limited to room of origin Not applicable Limited to 2 floors (not whole building) Limited to floor of origin (not whole building) 2 2 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 5 10 6 Non-Domestic Fires in this period 2025-26 Q1 We are dedicated to reducing non-domestic fires, recognising the significant impact these incidents can have on businesses, public buildings, and the wider community. Non-domestic fires can lead to substantial economic losses, disrupt services, and pose serious risks to public safety. Our local fire safety enforcement team acts as an enforcing authority for fire safety legislation in non-domestic premises. This includes regular inspections and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations. Our enforcement team is also there to provide support and education to duty holders, including building owners, managers, and staff, to help them comply with current legislation. Over this recording period we saw a slight increase in Non-Domestic fires from 5 to 6.
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8. Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Residential Home 18 Hospitals and medical care 8 Sheltered Housing - not self contained 7 Hotel/motel 5 Industrial Manufacturing 2 Boarding House/B&B other 1 Industrial Processing 1 Other holiday residence (cottage, flat, chalet) 1 Public admin, security and safety 1 Retail 1 Sporting venues 1 202531/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Clydebank Waterfront Leven Lomond Dumbarton Clydebank Central Kilpatrick 15 10 9 6 5 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 50 100 150 46 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals in this period 2025-26 Q1 SFRS introduced a new policy in 2023 aimed at significantly reducing Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS). This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to enhance community safety and optimise the use of resources. Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals are false alarms triggered by automatic fire alarm systems. These false alarms can be caused by various factors, including cooking fumes, dust, or lack of maintenance. UFAS incidents divert fire crews from genuine emergencies, leading to unnecessary costs and potential delays in response to real fires. While we have seen a steady reduction since the implementation of our revised policy, in this report we have seen a slight increase from the previous quarter, from 34 to 46.
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9. Road Traffic Collisions 202531/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Kilpatrick Clydebank Waterfront Leven 3 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 5 10 5 Road Traffic Collisions in this period Non-Fatal Casualties 0 Fatal Casualties 0 0 People Rescued by Firefighters Extent of Harm (Non-Fatal) 0 0 First Aid Given at Scene Hospital Slight Injuries 0 Hospital Serious Injuries Property Type Incidents Car 4 Multiple Vehicles 1 2025-26 Q1 Incident Type Incidents Vehicle (Non-fire) 5 The SFRS is committed to reducing the number of Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) across Scotland. Recognising the devastating impact these incidents can have on individuals, families and communities, we have implemented a range of strategies and initiatives aimed at prevention and effective response. We work closely with Police Scotland and attend the 'L' Division Road Safety Governance group on a quarterly basis. This meeting allows stakeholders to identify new and existing risks and coordinate road safety strategies across West Dunbartonshire. We did see a slight decrease in RTCs from previous quarter, from 7 to 5 incidents, which we will continue to monitor.
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10. Home Fire Safety Visits 202531/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 11. Fire Safety Enforcement 2025-26 Q1 Update as of 2025-26 Q1: Statistics for Home Fire Safety Visits are not available due to a system change. The Business Intelligence Team is actively working in collaboration with Digital and Technology Services and the Community Safety Team to ensure suitable quality for future reporting. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Update as of 2025-26 Q1: Enforcement data is currently not available due to data quality issues. The Business Intelligence Team is actively working to ensure suitable quality for future reporting. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
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202531/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 2025-26 Q1 Emergency Services Day - Balloch "The Big Disabilty Event" 12. Community Safety & Engagement Fire Skills Relaunch Event We were proud to relaunch our Fire Skills program in May. The course is aimed at young people between the ages of 12-18. It includes a range of sessions based on firefighter drills and can help to develop key skills such as problem solving, first aid & CPR, team working, leadership and communication. Our thanks to the inspirational young people who took part. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and dedication made this course truly special (Pictured - Area Commander Joe McKay with course members. Also pictured, operational crews detailing practical drills during the course) CFF Henderson and CSA Reed attended the "Big Disability Event" held in Clydebank to provide fire safety advice in the home. The event is focused on providing information and access to resources, to those living with disabilities and long-term health conditions Summer Safety Messaging In preparation for Summer, SFRS, Police Scotland, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority and West Dunbartonshire Council came together in Balloch to strengthen our multi-agency efforts and raise awareness of the dangers of wildfires, while promoting our Wildfire Strategy. Our Community Action Team engaged in delivering our Summer Safety messaging across the area. Pictured here, CSAs Johnstone and Reed provided vital wildfire and water safety advice to residents and businesses within the West Dunbartonshire local authority and engaged with organisations. Our Community Action Team, Dumbarton Green Watch, Dumbarton Youth Volunteer Scheme (YVS) and the Heritage Trust, all attended the 999 Emergency Services Day in Balloch. Engaging with partners and the community on summer safety, including wildfire and water safety
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202531/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 2025-26 Q1 For further information please contact: W.EWDABCommunitySafety@firescotland.gov.uk Home Fire Safety Visits On February 12th, we launched a new referral process for Home Fire Safety Visits. This update aims to better target high risk individuals, streamline referrals with a new digital system, and enhance data sharing through a Data Sharing Framework (DSF). SFRS is also providing ongoing training and support to partner organisations to ensure effective use of the new system. These changes reflect SFRS's commitment to improving fire safety and reducing fire related incidents across Scotland. Education Engagements Over this quarter, our Community Action Team has been actively supporting engagements in West Dunbartonshire's primary schools. This has included delivering Water Safety Scotland's Workshop, to help keep children safe near bodies of water as we move through Spring and towards Summer in Q1. (Pictured - Community Action Team and Police Scotland at Our Lady and Saint Patrick’s High School, Dumbarton)
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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. 202531/07/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
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Design, figures and charts by the Business Intelligence team.