Item 7b - SFRS Scrutiny Report Q4 - 25-26

West Dunbartonshire Council · 13 May 2026
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Page 1

Scrutiny Report
2025-26 Q4
West Dunbartonshire Performance and
Scrutiny Group
West Dunbartonshire
ITEM 7b

Page 2

202628/04/26 © 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 Q4
West Dunbartonshire Performance and
Scrutiny Group
West Dunbartonshire

Page 3

2025-26 Q41. Summary
106
Fires
70 89
False Alarms
265
12 1 0
Fire Fatalities
12 2
29
UFAS
202628/04/26 © 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)
Fire (Building) Inter-Agency False Alarm
(UFAS)
False Alarm
(Good Intent)
Humanitarian Flooding /
Water
Rescue
Fire (Vehicle) Vehicle
(Non-fire)
66
34 32 30 29
21
15
9 8 7
Fire Safety AuditsHome Fire Safety Visits
Total Incidents
(Incl. Incompletes)
2173
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 73 visits over this recording period. 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)
202628/04/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
Accidental Dwelling Fires
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
2025-26
Q4
25
16
34 33
18 23
33
26
29
19
2929
26
29
19
31
Deliberate Fires
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
2025-26
Q4
168
74
182
30
178
45
71
84
65
87
49
8094 90
56
81
Non-Domestic Fires
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
2025-26
Q4
11 11
0
7
4
10 9
4
6
8
6
5
7 7
6 5
Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals
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
2025-26
Q4
119
29
136
25
52
101
46
31 28
51
101
34 35 29
42
108
Road Traffic Collisions
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
2025-26
Q4
9
6
12
2
9 10
4 5
7
7
8
7 6
8 7 8

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2. Trends
202628/04/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
Previous 16 quarters (4 years)
Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties
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
2025-26
Q4
5
1
9
02
6
3
1
2
6
1
2 2
02
4
Non-Fire Casualties
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
2025-26
Q4
9
1414
3 3
6
7 8
6
14
4 4
6
10
6
3
Road Traffic Collision Casualties
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
2025-26
Q4
9
4
0 0
96
1 1
3
1
3
2
3
5
1
2
Home Fire Safety Visits
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
2025-26
Q4
239
73
264
72
239
203
260
199 220
107106
227 229 213
83
224
Fire Safety Audits
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
2025-26
Q4
12
21
46
1 19
3735
1617
23
18
23 22
36
11
37

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202628/04/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
Accidental Dwelling Fires
in this period
Extent of Damage Incidents

Limited to item 1st ignited 8
Not applicable 6
External roof only 1
Limited to room of origin 1
Source of Ignition (Top 10)
Cooking
appliance
Smoking
Related
Electricity supply Heating
equipment
Industrial
equipment
Matches and
candles
Naked flame Other domestic
style appliance
8
2
1 1 1 1 1 1
Trend by Quarter (4 years)
15
20
25
30
35
16
Incidents by Ward
Clydebank Waterfront
Clydebank Central
Dumbarton
Kilpatrick
Leven
Lomond
7
5
1
1
1
1
2025-26 Q43. 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 by 3, from the previous
quarter and by 18 for Q4 year on year.

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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
202628/04/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
Casualties by Ward
Dumbarton 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 Q4
1 0 0
0 1 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 the number of accidental dwelling fire casualties has increased by 1 from the previous quarter.
While the year on year comparison sees a drop from 9 to 1
There were no fatal dwelling fire casualties over this recording period.

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5. Non-Fire Casualties
202628/04/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
Casualties by Ward
Lomond
Leven
Clydebank Central
Dumbarton
Kilpatrick
5
4
2
2
1
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

Fracture 4
Chest pain / Heart condition / Cardiac
arrest
3
Bruising 2
Unconscious, fitting or unresponsive
(no other evident significant injury)
2
Head injury 1
Hypothermia 1
Not known 1
2025-26 Q4
12 2 11
0 4 8
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 the number of non-fire casualties remain unchanged at 14, which we will continue
to actively monitor. 
Unfortunately, we have recorded two non-fire fatal casualties in this period (the same as previous quarter).
These are incidents where SFRS responds to assist agencies, such as Police Scotland and Scottish Ambulance.

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6. Deliberate Fires
Property Type Incident

Refuse 43
Grassland, woodland and crops 11
Non Residential 6
Other outdoors (including land) 6
Road Vehicle 5
Dwelling 2
Outdoor structures 1
202628/04/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
Incidents by Ward
Clydebank Central
Dumbarton
Clydebank Waterfront
Leven
Kilpatrick
Lomond
18
17
16
10
7
6
Trend by Quarter (4 years)
0
50
100
150
200
74
Deliberate Fires
in this period
2025-26 Q4
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 80 to 74.

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7. Non-Domestic Fires
202628/04/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
Non-Domestic
Fires in this
period
2025-26 Q4
Top 15 Property Types
Property Type Incidents

Car Parks 2
Education 2
Hospitals and medical care 2
Residential Home 2
Religious 1
Retail 1
Sheltered Housing - not self
contained
1
(54.5%)
(45.5%)
6
5
Accidental
Deliberate
Incidents by Ward
Clydebank Central
Clydebank Waterfront
Dumbarton
Lomond
5
4
1
1
Extent of Damage
Limited to item 1st ignited Not applicable Limited to floor of origin (not
whole building)
7
3
1
Trend by Quarter (4 years)
0
5
10
11
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 an increase in Non-Domestic fires from 7 to 11, which we will continue to monitor.

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8. Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals
202628/04/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
Unwanted Fire Alarm
Signals in this period
2025-26 Q4
Top 15 Property Types
Property Type Incidents

Hospitals and medical care 13
Sheltered Housing - not self contained 4
Hotel/motel 3
Residential Home 3
Warehouses and bulk storage 3
Industrial Manufacturing 1
Laboratory/research Establishment 1
Other Residential Home 1
Incidents by Ward
Clydebank Waterfront
Leven
Lomond
Dumbarton
Kilpatrick
Clydebank Central
11
6
4
3
3
2
Trend by Quarter (4 years)
50
100
29
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 have seen a trend of steady reduction in this type of incident.
In this reporting period however, we have recorded a slight increase from previous quarter, from 28 to 29.
Year on year comparison shows a reduction from 35 to 29.

Page 12

9. Road Traffic Collisions
202628/04/26 © 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 Q4
Incidents by Ward
Dumbarton
Lomond
Clydebank Waterfront
Leven
2
2
1
1
Trend by Quarter (4 years)
5
10
6
4 0 0
0 2 2
Property Type Incidents

Car 5
Van 1
Incident Type Incidents

Vehicle (Non-fire) 6
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 saw a reduction in RTCs over this recording period from 10 to 6 incidents, which we will continue to monitor.
2 casualties were taken to hospital with serious injuries, but no fatal casualties were recorded.

Page 13

10. Home Fire Safety Visits
202628/04/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
11. Fire Safety Enforcement
Job Type Count

Audit 21
Consultation 6
Audits by Ward
Dumbarton
Leven
Clydebank Waterfront
Lomond
Clydebank Central
Kilpatrick
6
5
3
3
2
2
2025-26 Q4
HFSVs by Ward
Clydebank Waterfront
Dumbarton
Clydebank Central
Kilpatrick
Leven
Lomond
19
15
14
12
7
6
Home Fire
Safety Visits
73
The SFRS referral pathway for HFSVs, aims 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.

Page 14

12. Community Safety & Engagement
202628/04/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
2025-26 Q4
Community Safety Campaigns/ Safety Messaging 
Anthony Nolan Register 
Crew Commander David Yule, conducted a successful Anthony Nolan 
registration event at Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School.
Pictured, are some of the potential life savers that joined the register.        
A big thank you to all that participated. 
Operation Ballaton Launch 
We attended the launch of Operation Ballaton. Led by Police Scotland,     
it brings partners together to support safety across Loch Lomond and The
Trossachs National Park. As the weather improves, this joint approach 
helps keep everyone safe during the busy summer period. 
"Firefighter for a Day" Engagement Sessions 
We continue to work with local Education Officers and school staff, 
to develop and deliver our single day Firefighter experience for young 
people. These events are delivered by a combination of our Community 
Action Team and Operational Personnel. 
Home Fire Safety Visit 
We launched a new referral process for Home Fire Safety Visits, 
designed to better identify and support individuals at higher risk. This 
update introduces a streamlined digital referral system and improves 
collaboration through a new data sharing framework. 
The final phase for partner access will be available soon, with further 
updates to follow. To support the roll out, SFRS will be providing 
ongoing training and guidance to partner organisations, ensuring they
can use the new system effectively. These improvements reflect our  
continued commitment to enhancing fire safety and reducing fire 
related incidents across Scotland.

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.
202628/04/26 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on

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Design, figures and charts by the Business Intelligence team.