Scottish Fire and Rescue Service - Argyll & Bute Performance Scrutiny Group 2025-26 Q2 Scrutiny Report

Argyll and Bute Council · 11 December 2025
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Page 1

Scrutiny Report
2025-26 Q2
Argyll & Bute Performance and
Scrutiny Group
Argyll and Bute

Page 2

202510/11/25 © 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
Argyll & Bute Performance and Scrutiny
Group
Argyll and Bute

Page 3

2025-26 Q21. Summary
60
Fires
86 183
False Alarms
329
8 0 0
Fire Fatalities
12 3
69
UFAS
202510/11/25 © 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
False Alarm
(Due to
Apparatus)
False Alarm
(UFAS)
Inter-Agency False Alarm
(Good Intent)
Fire
(Outdoor)
Fire (Building) Humanitarian Flooding /
Water
Rescue
Other
Non-Fire
Vehicle
(Non-fire)
78 69
38 36
29 27
12 10 10 8
Fire Safety AuditsHome Fire Safety Visits
Total Incidents
(Incl. Incompletes)
8399
In this report, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) demonstrates a strong commitment to public safety through its response to a wide
range of operational incidents, as outlined above. 
Home fire safety remains a key priority, with updates on our referral pathway provided in section 12 of this report. Fire safety audits and community
engagement initiatives continue to be proactive measures that contribute to making our communities safer places to live, work, and visit.
The overall trend reflects consistent management of incidents, with seasonal variations influencing activity levels. Accidental dwelling fires are
closely monitored, and efforts to reduce deliberate fires and non-fire incidents remain ongoing. 
The data presented highlights a well coordinated approach to fire prevention and emergency response.

Page 4

2. Trends Previous 16 quarters (4 years)
202510/11/25 © 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
18
17
24
10 10
24
22
13 13
17
11
1616
12
18
20
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
11
16
43
5
40
6
22
16
9 812 13
21 18
11 8
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
10
4
11
2
3
10
4
7
6
8 7
5 6
4
8
4
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
189
69
209
56
142
75 65 636677
150158
185
6968
168
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
16
11
26 26
13
18
15
17
18
13
15
12
20 20
12
19

Page 5

2. Trends
202510/11/25 © 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
1
0
3
0 0 0
2 2
0
1
2
1 1
0
2
1
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
18
15
31
13
24
27
22 15
18
27
14 15
23
20
14
17
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
13
8
20
610
15
10 6
9 99 9
18
12
8 9
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
311
99
70
198
173
238
221
207239
93
233
183
289
149
237
202
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
50 83
151
29
54
100
79
110
142130 138
135
71
111 108 103

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202510/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
Accidental Dwelling Fires
in this period
Extent of Damage Incidents

Not applicable 8
Limited to item 1st ignited 5
Limited to room of origin 2
External roof only 1
Whole building 1
Source of Ignition (Top 10)
Cooking appliance Electricity supply Electric Lighting Heating equipment Naked flame Other domestic style
appliance
9
4
1 1 1 1
Trend by Quarter (4 years)
10
15
20
17
Incidents by Ward
Helensburgh Central
Kintyre & the Islands
Dunoon
Oban South & the Isles
Cowal
Isle of Bute
Lomond North
Mid Argyll
South Kintyre
4
4
2
2
1
1
1
1
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, 
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(CAT) and Operational Crews visit homes to assess fire risks and
provide tailored advice on fire prevention in a domestic setting. 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 seen an increase in accidental dwelling fires from 11 to 17 which we will continue to actively monitor.

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4. Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties
Non-Fatal
Casualties
Fatal
Casualties
Nature of Injury/Cause of
Death
Casualties

202510/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
Casualties by Ward
Trend by Quarter (4 years)
0
1
2
3
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 0
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 promotes a culture of fire safety awareness and prevention within our communities. 
Over this reporting period there were no accidental dwelling fire casualties to report.

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5. Non-Fire Casualties
202510/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
Casualties by Ward
Oban North & Lorn
Kintyre & the Islands
Oban South & the Isles
Dunoon
Lomond North
Mid Argyll
6
4
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

Cuts/Lacerations 4
Back / Neck injury (spinal) 3
Not known 3
Fracture 2
Bruising 1
Chest pain / Heart condition / Cardiac
arrest
1
Unconscious, fitting or unresponsive
(no other evident significant injury)
1
2025-26 Q2
12 3 8
0 12 0
During this reporting period, we responded to a variety of non-fire-related incidents, including road traffic collisions (RTCs), water rescues, and 
other specialist operations. 
Sadly, three of these incidents involved fatal casualties. Our crews were mainly mobilised to assist partner agencies, including Police Scotland, 
HM Coastguard, and the Scottish Ambulance Service. One fatality resulted from an RTC, while the other two were due to out of hospital cardiac 
arrests.

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6. Deliberate Fires
Property Type Incident

Grassland, woodland and crops 5
Other outdoors (including land) 5
Refuse 4
Dwelling 2
202510/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
Incidents by Ward
Helensburgh Central
Isle of Bute
Kintyre & the Islands
Lomond North
Oban North & Lorn
Cowal
4
3
3
3
2
1
Trend by Quarter (4 years)
0
20
40
16
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 due to the risks it poses to people, property, and the environment. These incidents divert resources from real 
emergencies. 
To achieve this, we use the following strategies: 
Community Engagement: Awareness sessions in Argyll and Bute schools, focused on children and young people providing safety focused engagements. 
Partnerships: Working with Police Scotland, Community Wardens, and local schools. 
Reporting: Encouraging the public to report suspicious activity or rubbish build-up. 
Over this recording period we have seen a sharp decline from 43 operational incidents in Q1 to 16 in Q2.

Page 10

7. Non-Domestic Fires
202510/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
Non-Domestic
Fires in this
period
2025-26 Q2
Top 15 Property Types
Property Type Incidents

Industrial Processing 1
Offices and call centres 1
Other holiday residence (cottage,
flat, chalet)
1
Public Utilities 1
4 (100.0%)
Accidental
Deliberate
Incidents by Ward
Oban North & Lorn
Kintyre & the Islands
Lomond North
2
1
1
Extent of Damage
Not applicable
4
Trend by Quarter (4 years)
5
10
4
We are dedicated to reducing non-domestic fires, recognising the significant impact these incidents can have on local 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 (FSE) team acts as the enforcing authority for fire safety legislation in non-domestic premises. This includes 
regular inspections and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations. The enforcement team also provides support and education to duty holders,
including building owners, managers, and staff, to help them comply with current legislation. 
Over this reporting period, the number of non-domestic fires remained low at four, unchanged from the Q1 report.

Page 11

8. Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals
202510/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
Unwanted Fire Alarm
Signals in this period
2025-26 Q2
Top 15 Property Types
Property Type Incidents

Hotel/motel 18
Residential Home 16
Hospitals and medical care 14
Other Residential Home 5
Boarding House/B&B other 4
Nurses'/Doctors' accommodation 2
Other holiday residence (cottage, flat,
chalet)
2
Warehouses and bulk storage 2
Education 1
Entertainment and culture 1
Hostel (e.g. for homeless people) 1
Offices and call centres 1
Retail 1
Sporting venues 1
Incidents by Ward
Oban South & the Isles
Lomond North
Oban North & Lorn
Cowal
Helensburgh Central
Isle of Bute
Mid Argyll
Dunoon
South Kintyre
Kintyre & the Islands
13
12
10
6
6
6
6
5
3
2
Trend by Quarter (4 years)
0
100
200
69
SFRS introduced a new policy in 2023 aimed at reducing Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS). This forms part of our wider commitment to
improving community safety and making better use of resources across Scotland.
UFAS are false alarms triggered by automatic fire alarm systems. These can result from accidental activation of manual call points, cooking fumes,
dust, or poor maintenance. Each UFAS incident diverts fire crews from genuine emergencies, leading to unnecessary costs and potential delays in
responding to real fires.
Since the introduction of this revised policy, we have continued to see a reduction in UFAS incidents. This positive trend is reflected in the data
presented in this report.

Page 12

9. Road Traffic Collisions
202510/11/25 © 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
Oban North & Lorn
Kintyre & the Islands
Mid Argyll
Oban South & the Isles
South Kintyre
4
2
2
2
1
Trend by Quarter (4 years)
10
15
20
25
30
11
7 1 0
0 7 0
Property Type Incidents

Car 6
Motorcycle 3
Lorry/HGV 1
Van 1
Incident Type Incidents

Vehicle (Non-fire) 8
Inter-Agency 2
Other Non-Fire 1
The SFRS is committed to reducing the number of Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) across Scotland’s road network. We recognise the devastating
impact these incidents can have on individuals, families, and communities.
We have implemented a range of strategies and initiatives focused on prevention and effective response. We work closely with Police Scotland and
support the 'L' Division Road Safety Governance Group on a quarterly basis. These meetings bring together key stakeholders to identify new and e
xisting risks and coordinate joint road safety strategies across Argyll and Bute.
In partnership with Police Scotland, we will be holding a series of road safety hub events at our community fire stations in Campbeltown, Oban,
Dunoon, and Lochgilphead Joint Campus. Further details can be found on page 13 of this report.
During this reporting period, total incident numbers remain low at 11.

Page 13

10. Home Fire Safety Visits
202510/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
11. Fire Safety Enforcement
Job Type Count

Audit 83
Consultation 3
Specific Visit 1
Audits by Ward
Oban North & Lorn
Lomond North
Cowal
Helensburgh & Lomond South
Helensburgh Central
Kintyre & the Islands
Isle of Bute
Oban South & the Isles
Mid Argyll
South Kintyre
31
13
9
7
6
6
4
4
2
1
2025-26 Q2
HFSVs by Ward
Oban North & Lorn
Helensburgh Central
Lomond North
Oban South & the Isles
Dunoon
Cowal
Helensburgh & Lomond South
Mid Argyll
Isle of Bute
Kintyre & the Islands
South Kintyre
17
14
13
13
11
10
10
5
2
2
2
Home Fire
Safety Visits
99
The SFRS has recently introduced a new referral pathway for Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs), aimed at enhancing community safety and better 
supporting vulnerable individuals. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to reducing fire risks and improving overall safety in homes 
across Scotland. 
The revised HFSV programme takes 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 likelihood of fire fatalities. The goal is to ensure that those most at risk receive the 
necessary support and intervention to help prevent fire incidents.

Page 14

12. Community Safety & Engagement
202510/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on
2025-26 Q2
Argyll & Bute Fire Skills
In September, Oban Fire Station hosted an Argyll & Bute Fire skills event, delivered in partnership
with Argyll & Bute Education Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service, Developing the Young
Workforce, and Live Argyll. The event focused on engaging young people in practical learning
around fire safety, teamwork, and personal development.
Participants took part in a range of hands on activities, including basic firefighting techniques,
safe use of equipment, and simulated emergency scenarios. The programme also included
sessions on road safety, first aid awareness, and the importance of community responsibility.
The initiative aims to build confidence, improve communication skills, and promote safer
behaviours among young people. Feedback from attendees and partners was overwhelmingly
positive, with many highlighting the value of real-life learning in a supportive environment.
Well done to the young people who made the week such a success!
Road Safety Hub Events – November 2025
As we approach darker nights, these sessions will offer safety advice on driving at night. In
partnership with Police Scotland, SFRS will host Road Safety Hub night driving safety events on
22nd and 25th November at fire stations in Campbeltown, Oban, Dunoon, and Lochgilphead High
Joint Campus.
These free events aim to raise awareness of road safety and offer practical advice to reduce the
risk of collisions. Visitors can speak with emergency services, access safety materials, and learn
about local initiatives.
2025 Station Open Days
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at our summer open days
held at Helensburgh, Tobermory, and Oban fire stations. It was a pleasure to welcome so many
members of the community through our doors.
We’re especially grateful to our partners and volunteers, whose support helped the days run
smoothly and ensured everything was well organised. Their time and effort made a real
difference.
We’d also like to thank everyone who kindly donated to the various charities we support. Your
generosity will have a meaningful impact across local communities in Argyll and Bute. Every
contribution helps us continue supporting important causes and delivering services that matter.
We hope you enjoyed the opportunity to meet our teams, learn more about the work we do, and
see the stations in action. We look forward to welcoming you again at future events.
World Drowning Prevention Day
On Friday, July 25, we attended World Drowning Prevention Day, a national event organised by
Water Safety Scotland to raise awareness about drowning risks and promote water safety.
The day included a range of engaging activities such as paddleboarding, canoeing, rescue
demonstrations, and displays by water rescue dog teams. Various organisations were present
with information stalls, including the RNLI, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Police Scotland
Home Fire Safety Visit Referral Process
This year, 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 enhances collaboration through a new Data Sharing Framework.
To support the roll out, SFRS is providing ongoing training and guidance to partner organisations,
ensuring they can effectively use the new system. These improvements reflect our continued
commitment to enhancing fire safety and reducing fire-related incidents across Scotland.
For further information please contact:
W.EWDABCommunitySafety@firescotland.gov.uk

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.
202510/11/25 © Scottish Fire & Rescue ServiceReport generated on

Page 16

Design, figures and charts by the Business Intelligence team.