Item 7b - SFRS Scrutiny Report Q2
West Dunbartonshire Council · 19 November 2025
Back to Housing & Communities Committee — 19 November 2025 and its agenda
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Scrutiny Report 2025-26 Q2 West Dunbartonshire Performance and Scrutiny Group West Dunbartonshire ITEM 7b
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202504/11/25 © 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 West Dunbartonshire Performance and Scrutiny Group West Dunbartonshire
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2025-26 Q21. Summary 114 Fires 66 110 False Alarms 290 12 0 0 Fire Fatalities 9 1 28 UFAS 202504/11/25 © 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 (Due to Apparatus) Inter-Agency False Alarm (UFAS) False Alarm (Good Intent) Fire (Building) Fire (Vehicle) Humanitarian Flooding / Water Rescue Other Non-Fire 80 51 29 28 26 24 10 10 8 8 Fire Safety AuditsHome Fire Safety Visits Total Incidents (Incl. Incompletes) 36107 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, and we conducted 107 visits over this recording period. 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 Previous 16 quarters (4 years) 202504/11/25 © 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 27 19 34 18 33 23 33 26 29 24 29 25 29 26 29 31 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 70 81 182 30 178 45 168 71 84 65 87 49 73 94 90 56 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 3 0 11 7 4 10 9 4 6 8 6 55 7 6 5 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 123 28 136 25 83 52 119 101 31 4651 101 34 3542 108 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 5 8 12 2 9 4 7 7 9 8 7 56 8 5 7
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2. Trends 202504/11/25 © 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 3 0 9 0 2 5 6 3 1 2 6 2 1 2 2 4 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 8 1014 3 3 6 7 9 5 8 6 4 4 6 6 3 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 1 99 0 0 6 1 1 3 1 3 22 3 1 2 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 341 107 73 199 239 203 264260 220 239 106 227 229 213 300 224 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 9 36 46 1 19 35 1617 14 23 18 12 23 22 11 37
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202504/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Accidental Dwelling Fires in this period Extent of Damage Incidents Not applicable 14 Limited to item 1st ignited 5 Source of Ignition (Top 10) Other domestic style appliance Electricity supply Smoking Related 15 2 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 15 20 25 30 35 19 Incidents by Ward Clydebank Central Clydebank Waterfront Dumbarton Kilpatrick Lomond Leven 4 4 4 4 2 1 2025-26 Q23. Accidental Dwelling Fires 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 29 to 19.
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4. Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Non-Fatal Casualties Fatal Casualties Nature of Injury/Cause of Death Casualties 202504/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Casualties by Ward 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 0 0 1 0 0 0 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 2 to 0, 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 202504/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Casualties by Ward Dumbarton Leven 8 2 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 5 10 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 Bruising 6 Other medical condition 2 Cuts/Lacerations 1 Drowning 1 2025-26 Q2 9 1 11 5 3 1 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 an increase in non-fire casualties, from 3 to 10, which we will continue to actively monitor. Unfortunately, we have recorded one fatal casualty in this period. All casualties were non fire related, we attended to assist other agencies, such as Police Scotland and Scottish Ambulance Service.
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6. Deliberate Fires Property Type Incident Refuse 36 Grassland, woodland and crops 24 Other outdoors (including land) 11 Road Vehicle 5 Non Residential 3 Dwelling 1 Other Residential 1 202504/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Incidents by Ward Clydebank Waterfront Leven Clydebank Central Dumbarton Lomond Kilpatrick 23 21 13 11 11 2 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 50 100 150 200 81 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 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. 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 Over this reporting period there was a reduction in deliberate fires from 182 to 82
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7. Non-Domestic Fires 202504/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on Non-Domestic Fires in this period 2025-26 Q2 Top 15 Property Types Property Type Incidents Accidental Deliberate Incidents by Ward Extent of Damage Trend by Quarter (4 years) 0 5 10 0 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 reduction in Non-Domestic fires from 5 to 0.
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8. Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals 202504/11/25 © 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 11 Hospitals and medical care 7 Sheltered Housing - not self contained 5 Hotel/motel 3 Other holiday residence (cottage, flat, chalet) 1 Sporting venues 1 Incidents by Ward Clydebank Waterfront Dumbarton Lomond Clydebank Central Kilpatrick Leven 8 7 6 4 2 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 50 100 28 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. Since the implementation of our revised policy, we continue to see a reduction in this type of incident, which is highlighted by the reduction from 46 to 28, in this report.
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9. Road Traffic Collisions 202504/11/25 © 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 Dumbarton Clydebank Waterfront Kilpatrick Leven Lomond 3 2 1 1 1 Trend by Quarter (4 years) 5 10 8 9 0 1 5 3 1 Property Type Incidents Car 8 Incident Type Incidents Vehicle (Non-fire) 7 Other Non-Fire 1 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 an increase in RTCs over this recording period from 5 to 8 incidents, which we will continue to monitor.
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10. Home Fire Safety Visits 202504/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 11. Fire Safety Enforcement Job Type Count Audit 36 Consultation 5 Audits by Ward Dumbarton Leven Clydebank Waterfront Kilpatrick Clydebank Central Lomond 24 5 3 2 1 1 2025-26 Q2 HFSVs by Ward Clydebank Waterfront Dumbarton Clydebank Central Leven Kilpatrick Lomond 25 21 19 18 14 10 Home Fire Safety Visits 107 The SFRS has recently introduced a new referral pathway for HFSVs, aiming to enhance community safety and better support vulnerable individuals. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to reduce fire risks and improve overall safety in homes across Scotland. The revised HFSV programme focuses on a more targeted approach, prioritising high risk individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria. These criteria are based on extensive research into factors that increase the risk of fire fatalities. The goal is to ensure that those most vulnerable receive the necessary support and intervention to prevent fire incidents.
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12. Community Safety & Engagement 202504/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on 2025-26 Q2 Water Safety Open Day - Lomond Shores The Lomond Shores Water Safety Day in 2025 was held on Friday, July 25th, from 11 am to 4 pm. The event, organized by Water Safety Scotland, was held in support of World Drowning Prevention Day. It featured activities like paddleboarding, canoeing, rescue demonstrations, water rescue dog teams, and stalls from various organizations, including the RNLI, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and the police. 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 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. For further information please contact: W.EWDABCommunitySafety@firescotland.gov.uk Safety Engagement Session at Community Fire Fighter Henderson, Watch Commander Canning and Clydebank Red Watch, attended youth engagement event at Abu Bakr Mosque and Community Centre. This was a great opportunity to deliver water safety messaging while also showing the young people around the fire appliance. SFRS Community Action Team personnel from West Dunbartonshire, joined Working 4 U Literacy group to deliver CPR awareness. These sessions provide members of the group with the knowledge and skills to potentially save lives SCPR Sessions at Church Street
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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. 202504/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
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