dumfries & galloway - committeesegenda.dumgal.gov.uk/aksdumgal/images/att45704.pdf · dumfries...

UA Ward APPENDIX

Dumfries & Galloway Annandale & Eskdale Area Committee Y axis Qtr graph

Dumfries & Galloway Nithsdale Area Committee Q1 10/11

Dumfries & Galloway Stewartry Area Committee Q2

Dumfries & Galloway Wigtownshire Area Committee Q3

Q4

Q1 11/12

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1 12/13

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1 13/14

Q2

Highland Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee Q3

Highland City of Inverness Area Committee Q4

Highland Lochaber Area Committee Q1 14/15

Highland Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey Area CommitteeQ2

Highland Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area Committee Q3

Fife Cowdenbeath Q4

Fife Dunfermline

Fife Glenrothes

Fife Kircaldy

Fife Levenmouth

Fife North East Fife

Fife South West Fife

Dumfries & Galloway Annandale & Eskdale Area Committee

Dumfries & Galloway Nithsdale Area Committee

Dumfries & Galloway Stewartry Area Committee

Dumfries & Galloway Wigtownshire Area Committee

Scottish Borders

East Lothian East Lothian Safe and Vibrant Communities Group

Midlothian Midlothian Safer Communities Board

Dumfries & Galloway

Dwellings (based on GROS mid-year estimates 2013) = 68682

Population (based on GROS mid-year estimates 2013) = 150270

GROS - Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics

DISCLAIMER The figures included in this report are provisional and subject to change

as a result of quality assurance and review. The statistics quoted are internal management information published in the interests of

transparency and openness.

The Scottish government publishes Official Statistics each year which allow for comparisons to be made over longer periods of time.

Please ensure any external partners in receipt of these reports are aware

01/11/2017 - 15:47 not protectively marked 1

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Commentary

Non-fatal fire casualties (excl. precautionary checkups)

Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

All deliberate primary fires

All deliberate secondary fires

All accidental dwelling fires

All accidental other building fires

1. Purpose of Report

1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide members of Dumfries and Galloway Police & Fire Sub

Committee (PFSC) with an update in respect of Scottish Fire and Rescue activity within Dumfries and

Galloway and how this activity measured against agreed priorities for the period 1st April 2017 to 30th

September 2017.

2. Background

2.1 On the 1st April 2013, the eight former Fire & Rescue Services within Scotland merged to form a

new single Fire & Rescue Service. A key requirement of the new legislation encompassing the single

Service is the production of a Local Area Plan aligned to Local Authority boundaries (subject to the

approval of the Local Authority) and to provide periodical reports as to progress against the ‘Key

Priorities’ within the Plan.

3. Review of Performance 2014-15

3.1 The current Local Area Plan for Dumfries and Galloway contains seven Key Priorities and are

summarised as;

• Local Risk Management and Preparedness

• Reduction of Dwelling Fires

• Reduction of Fire Casualties and Fatalities

• Reduction of Deliberate Fire Setting

• Reduction of Fires in Non-Domestic Properties

• Reduction in Road Traffic Collisions

• Reduction of Unwanted Fire Signals

3.2 From these seven Key Priorities, performance indicators were devised and incorporated into the

Local Area Plan. A summary of this report with associated activity levels and comments for each of the

performance indicator areas is included within this report.

All fatal fire casualties

Special Service - RTCs

Special Service - fatal & non-fatal casualties

False Alarm - Malicious

False Alarm - Equipment failure


13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 153

April 5 4 4 4 7

May 8 3 4 3 5

June 0 1 1 5 4

July 1 2 2 0 0

August 3 1 4 1 1

September 3 3 3 2 3

October 3 0 1 3 #N/A

November 2 3 4 9 #N/A

December 2 0 4 8 #N/A

January 3 2 3 3 #N/A

February 2 2 1 2 #N/A

March 1 1 3 4 #N/A

Fiscal Yr 33 22 34 44 20

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Fiscal Yr 33 22 34 44 20

Qtr/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Quarter 1 13 8 9 12 16

Quarter 2 7 6 9 3 4

Quarter 3 7 3 9 20 #N/A

Quarter 4 6 5 7 9 #N/A

Commentary

Deliberate Primary Fires remain a key priority for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Dumfries &

Galloway. These deliberate fires cause extensive damage to domestic and commercial property as well

as to vehicles and street furniture.

Quarters 1 and 2 reported 20 deliberate primary fires and is similar to previous reporting periods.

However, the trend within the current six months is showing a downward turn with 16 of the 20 deliberate

primary fires occuring during April, May and June. The remaining 3 months of the 6 month reporting

period saw only 4 deliberate primary fires reported. Further examination of the 6 month period shows no

corelation between incidents with most being small in nature. However, a fire at an unoccupied house in

Castle Douglas during April caused serious damage and was subject to investigation by Police Scotland.

A number of small fires (Some in Q4 2016/17) at the former Gates/Interfloor factory in Heathhall resulted

in a multi agency approach to lessen risk within the site and secure the site from further deliberate fires.

No further incidents have been reported at the former factory since April.

The Service will continue with its long running education programmes for P6 pupils with school visits.

The Service working in partnership with other agencies also delivered Operation Safety to over 1500 P7

children throughout the region outlining the dangers of fire and consequences of fire setting.

All deliberate primary fires

0

5

10

15

20

25

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35

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45

50Fiscal Yr

0

10

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13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 423

April 14 3 5 10 11

May 4 7 4 17 16

June 10 12 14 18 10

July 9 5 16 3 8

August 11 3 5 7 3

September 13 5 8 10 4






March 5 13 13 6 #N/A

Fiscal Yr 87 74 94 116 52

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Fiscal Yr 87 74 94 116 52

Qtr/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Quarter 1 28 22 23 45 37

Quarter 2 33 13 29 20 15

Quarter 3 17 20 26 37 #N/A

Quarter 4 9 19 16 14 #N/A

Commentary

This includes fires in refuse, grass and other fires out in the open. The first six months has seen a

significant drop from the same reporting period last year by more than 20%. It is also encouraging to see

that fires recorded in the first quarter of the reporting period dropped by more than 50% in the second

quarter which also incorporates school summer holidays.This positive result consolidates the impression

that anti-social behaviour across Dumfries & Galloway is being effectively challenged and dealt with. A

large spike in May was investigated but no single cause was identified with fires following a distribution

similar to previous years.

The majority of fires within the region occur between 15:00 and 22:00 however, no pattern exists for what

day these incidents occur. Of the 52 deliberate secondary fires reported in Dumfries and Galloway during

the first six months of 2017/18, 35 of these fires occured in the North West Dumfries area with the

remainder being scattered evenly around the region and mostly within urban areas. No specific areas

within North West Dumfries were identified as being 'hot-spots', attracting more than any other location.

Working with our partners in the Police we will continue to try and identify all incidents of deliberate fire

setting and offer deliberate fire setting intervention as required. Continued engagement between

Community Policing, Community Safety Officers and the SFRS will allow for local interpretation and

identification of hotspots.

The Service will continue to work with partnership agencies in the region to engage with local

communities.

All deliberate secondary fires

0

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40

60

80

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120

140Fiscal Yr

0

20

40

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13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 432

April 7 8 12 10 11

May 12 9 9 4 6

June 11 7 4 4 3

July 7 4 4 10 7

August 13 6 7 8 8







March 12 6 6 12 #N/A

Fiscal Yr 112 93 82 105 40

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Fiscal Yr 112 93 82 105 40

Qtr/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Quarter 1 30 24 25 18 20

Quarter 2 26 22 15 28 20

Quarter 3 27 26 24 30 #N/A

Quarter 4 29 21 18 29 #N/A

Commentary

It is very encouraging to report that accidental dwelling fires occuring within the first six months of

2017/18 are the second lowest recorded over the last 5 years. From the last reporting period there has

been a drop of more than 32% within this performance indicator. Dwelling Fires have remained relatively

static over the last 5 years, but what has changed has been the severity of the fires, most being

extinguished in the early stages with minimal damage. The majority of incidents that occurred involved

cooking activities. Unfortunately one fire incident in August resulted in the death of a female following a

kitchen fire at her home in Annan. A joint Police and SFRS investigation was carried out with the final

report still to be released.

Incidents involving cooking are an identifiable trend within the area and a number of activities have been

carried out designed to reduce cooking related incidents. These activities have included the use of the

Chip Pan Demonstration Unit at open days and events in the area. A number of press releases were also

issued in the local press highlighting the dangers of cooking. These activities were in addition to the

information that is offered as part of the HFSV and Fire Safety Talks delivered to a wide variety of groups

including the most at risk people in the community.

An incident at Colvend also claimed the life of an occupant. The fire was not attended by the SFRS and

the casualty later died in hospital. Upon notification of the incident, the SFRS carried out a joint

investigation with Police Scotland. The findings of this investigation have still to be released.

After all dwelling fires we will carry out ‘Post Domestic Incident Response’ which is a commitment to offer

fire safety advice to the occupier of the property that had the fire and neighbouring properties either

immediately after the fire or a short time after.

All accidental dwelling fires

0

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40

60

80

100

120Fiscal Yr

0

20

40


13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 183

April 7 4 1 5 1

May 0 1 1 0 3

June 7 3 3 4 4

July 6 4 0 2 6

August 3 5 5 5 1

September 4 2 1 7 4






March 0 6 5 7 #N/A

Fiscal Yr 43 39 37 45 19

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Fiscal Yr 43 39 37 45 19

Qtr/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Quarter 1 14 8 5 9 8

Quarter 2 13 11 6 14 11

Quarter 3 11 9 12 11 #N/A

Quarter 4 5 11 14 11 #N/A

Commentary

A total of 19 Accidental Other Building Fires have been recorded for the first 6 months of the fiscal year.

This is the lowest figure recorded for a recording period for two years. Incidents were spread throughout

the region and reflective of population densities. 2 of the incidents recorded were located within

residential premises (1x care home, 1 x childrens residential) and were confined to the item first ignited,

these being a light fitting and food being cooked. Given that both fires were very small in size and the

number of incidents is very low within high risk properties is testiment to the SFRS approach of

continuous engagement at sleeping accommodation premises. Other incidents were located within

agricultural buildings, garages, warehouses, industrial units, offices and domestic sheds. Overall, 7 fires

were caused by overheating or faulty electrical appliances and further 4 fires were due to neglect of such

appliances.

The service is aware that fire in business premises has a significant financial and economic impact on

local communities in terms of employment and growth. All properties that fall within the Fire (Scotland)

Act 2005 and Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 such as industrial and public buildings are subject

to a risk based audit programme to ensure they are complying with regulations to minimise the risk of fire

and protect life in case of fire. After all fires in this type of premises the Service will carry out an after fire

audit to review the cause of the fire and implement improvement actions to prevent re occurrence.

Note: A substantial fire at Little Italy, Dumfries that resulted in six fire appliances attending is still

undergoing investigation. This incident is not reflected within the above data but once published will be

included within September figures.

All accidental other building fires

0

5

10

15

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25

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35

40

45

50Fiscal Yr

0

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13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 11

April 0 0 0 0 3

May 0 0 0 0 0

June 0 0 0 0 0

July 0 0 0 0 0

August 0 0 1 1 1

September 0 0 0 0 0






March 0 1 0 0 #N/A

Fiscal Yr 0 3 3 1 4

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Fiscal Yr 0 3 3 1 4

Qtr/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Quarter 1 0 0 0 0 3

Quarter 2 0 0 1 1 1



Commentary

4 Fire fatalities were reported during the first half of the fiscal year.

In April, a single car RTC resulted in the vehicle being involved in fire. Following investigation led by

Police Scotland, the cause of death for the driver and passenger has been attributed to fire.

Also in April, the SFRS were made aware of an incident where a person became involved in fire and was

extinguished by their partner. The SFRS were not called to this incident and were made aware after the

person subsequently died in hospital. The SFRS fire Investigation team attended the premises along with

Police Scotland the following morning. No findings have been released for this incident at present.

In August, 3 fire appliances attended a blaze at a house during the early hours of the morning in Annan.

The single occupant of the dwelling was pronounced dead at the fire scene. Following a joint

investigation by the SFRS and Police Scotland, the ignition source was identified as a chip pan. A multi-

agency Case Conference has still to be carried out.

Although the number of fatal fire casualties is high for the reporting period, the overall figure is low and

any slight increase will appear to be greater. On further investigation, no trend has been identified to the

fires that resulted in fire deaths.

The prevention of any fatality or casualty will remain a high priority to the service.

All fatal fire casualties

0

1

2

3

4

5Fiscal Yr

0

2

4


13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 51

April 1 2 0 0 0

May 4 0 0 0 0

June 1 0 0 0 0

July 3 1 1 2 1

August 3 0 0 1 0

September 0 3 2 0 0






March 1 1 0 1 #N/A

Fiscal Yr 17 12 13 8 1

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Fiscal Yr 17 12 13 8 1

Qtr/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Quarter 1 6 2 0 0 0

Quarter 2 6 4 3 3 1



Commentary

It is encouraging to report that there was only 1 non-fatal fire casualty reported in the 6 month reporting

period and resulted in a male being administered oxygen following a house fire in Sanquhar. This

performance indicator has seen a dramatic decline over the last 5 years however, it should be noted that

when reporting very small numbers of non-fatal fire casualties, any increase in the future may appear

greater. It is always the priority of the SFRS to reduce fire fatalities and casualties.

The Service continues to promote Home Fire Safety Visits through a targeted approach for those most at

risk with the purpose of increasing the likelihood and importance of early detection and intervention.

The SFRS has policies and procedures to ensure we investigate fully the circumstances sussounding

any person who is injured or killed in a fire.

Case Study – An internal review carried out after every dwelling fire where there is a fire injury into the

circumstances of the fire to try and prevent re occurrence.

Case Conference – This is carried out after every fatal fire, where serious injuries are sustained and if a

person is found to be living a chaotic lifestyle. We will initiate a multi agency meeting to put in place a

programme of initiatives to prevent re occurrence.

Non-fatal fire casualties (excl. precautionary checkups)

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18Fiscal Yr

0

5

10


13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 423

April 3 4 9 5 10

May 8 6 4 6 7

June 11 5 13 8 8

July 7 8 7 14 9

August 13 7 13 7 4







March 6 4 11 13 #N/A

Fiscal Yr 89 91 102 99 42

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Fiscal Yr 89 91 102 99 42

Qtr/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Quarter 1 22 15 26 19 25

Quarter 2 30 21 29 25 17

Quarter 3 18 31 19 24 #N/A

Quarter 4 19 24 28 31 #N/A

Commentary

It is very pleasing to note within the Special Service - RTC performance indicator from figures recorded

during the past 6 months that the total number of RTC's dropped from 55 in the last 6 months of 2016/17

to 42 this reporting period. This is the lowest recording period for 3 years with Q2 recording the second

lowest quarterly figures over the last 5 years.

Incidents are spread evenly throughout the region with no hot-spots identified although 6 incidents

occured on the M74 and involved transient drivers. This amount reflects the level of useage of the

motorway with no particular area showing any trends. Of the 42 incidents, 11 incidents involved the

extrication of casualties, 4 incidents involved assistance with the release of persons and the remaining

were attributed to incidents where the SFRS made the vehicles involved or the scene safe. Sadly, 6

incidents resulted in 8 fatalities during the reporting period (3 incidents with single fatalities in A&E, 1

incident with double fatalities in Nithsdale (recorded as fire fatalities), 1 incident with single fataility in

Stewartry, 1 incident with double fatality in Wigtownshire).

The Service will continue to work closely with partners in the Road Safety Partnership to analyse data

and prepare an action plan aimed at reducing the number of injuries and fatalities to within all road user

groups. The SFRS continue to chair the D&G Road Safety Partnership. Targets are identified which align

to 'Scotland's Road Safety Framework to 2020' in an aim to meet the Scottish Governments Vision Zero

target.

The Service will continue to carry out the bi annual ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’ programme to S5 and S6

pupils to highlight the dangers of driving within this at risk group of drivers.

Special Service - RTCs

0

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40

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120Fiscal Yr

0

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13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 465

April 8 7 8 3 5

May 10 9 6 2 15

June 15 10 15 3 9

July 9 11 14 10 11

August 12 10 14 7 4

September 9 6 4 9 4






March 9 4 9 24 #N/A

Fiscal Yr 108 91 119 99 48

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Fiscal Yr 108 91 119 99 48

Qtr/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Quarter 1 33 26 29 8 29

Quarter 2 30 27 32 26 19

Quarter 3 25 23 30 21 #N/A

Quarter 4 20 15 28 44 #N/A

Commentary

Due to the diverse nature of Special service incidents it is important that the Service continues to

interrogat the types of incidents attended to assist us in planning our prevention response. The SFRS

attended Special Service incidents that resulted in 14 fatal and 34 non-fatal casualties during the 6

month reporting period.

The majority of incidents attended involving casualties were due to Road Traffic Collisions with 19 non-

fatal casualties and 8 fatalities being attributed to 42 RTC's. Incidents to note are a two car RTC on A75

at Kirkcowan which resulted in 2 fatalities and 4 non-fatal casualties and, an RTC involving a car and a

motorbike on the A76 at Kelloholm which resulted in 2 fatalities from the motorbike. Both incidents

occured in May.

6 Other fatalities were attributed to medical incidents such as co/first responding, or where the SFRS has

assisted other agencies in effecting entry (5 fatalities) and, 1 fatality at an incident on the River Nith.

The remaining 15 non-fatal casualties followed the same trend as fatalities with 11 casualties attributed

to co/first responder incidents or where the SFRS were called to assist partner agencies.

There was relatively no change to the trend pattern formed over the last 5 years although Q1 and Q2 did

see a reduction from the spike witnessed during Q4 of 2016/17 for this performance indicator.

Special Service - fatal & non-fatal casualties

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120

140Fiscal Yr

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13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 111

April 0 0 9 4 1

May 1 2 3 6 1

June 2 0 6 2 0

July 1 1 2 3 0

August 1 1 4 1 1

September 1 2 6 4 3






March 1 1 5 1 #N/A

Fiscal Yr 11 17 51 26 6

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Fiscal Yr 11 17 51 26 6

Qtr/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Quarter 1 3 2 18 12 2

Quarter 2 3 4 12 8 4

Quarter 3 1 3 12 4 #N/A


Commentary

It is pleasing to note that the number of malicious calls within Dumfries and Galloway have remained low

and mirrored those set in the last 6 month reporting period (Q3 & Q4 of 2016/17). 6 malicious calls were

made during the first half of the fiscal year. Incidents involving false alarms of a malicious nature include

those that are called into the Service by means of a telephone and those that instigate a Service

response following a deliberate activation of an automatic call point.

The recent fall in numbers is due to the SFRS 'Call Challenge' policy and good partnership working with

schools and other youth groups where many incidents can be attributed to. An identifiable trend was

highlighted at the new Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary where 2 incidents were responded to. This

was dealt with by NHS D&G resulting in an immediate cessation.

While these are very low numbers compared with other areas of Scotland, there is no room for

complacency. Our Fire Safety Enforcement Officers continue to work with property owners, advising and

educationg on actions that can be taken to protect or re-site call points that may be vulnerable to types of

malicious acts.

False Alarm - Malicious

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60Fiscal Yr

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13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2635

April 24 30 53 47 40

May 37 23 35 62 69

June 25 35 54 60 52

July 42 44 51 75 56

August 35 51 62 75 53

September 34 47 37 83 65

October 45 40 70 70 #N/A



January 37 56 54 47 #N/A


March 29 32 45 60 #N/A

Fiscal Yr 406 533 619 742 335

Month/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Fiscal Yr 406 533 619 742 335

Qtr/Year 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18

Quarter 1 86 88 142 169 161

Quarter 2 111 142 150 233 174

Quarter 3 122 162 182 187 #N/A

Quarter 4 87 141 145 153 #N/A

Commentary

Following a period of higher than normal attendances to false alarm equipment failures it is very positive

to report a substantial improvement of 17% on the same reporting period last year. These figures are still

very low compared to other parts of Scotland. Of the 335 attendances during the 6 month reporting

period, 117 incidents being attended are to domestic dwellings. This demonstrates the positive impact

that post domestic incident response and home fire safety checks resulting in the fitting of smoke

detectors has had within the region. The remaining 218 incidents attended are attributed to relevant

premises under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.

Fire Safety Enforcement Officers locally continue to monitor alarm activations closely and engage

verbally or in person to any industrial or commercial premises that have more than one activation. This

process will identify problems with systems or management and officers will offer advice to reduce

unwanted signals and blue light attendances where required. This is conducted under the Unwanted Fire

Alarm Signal (UFAS) policy which targets a reduction in service demand from UFAS through appropriate

levels of response related to number of calls. Certain trends within individual properties have been

identified and are engaging with the SFRS to reduce numbers.

The SFRS have also reduced the number of appliances responding to UFAS incidents at low risk

properties following an appliance demand reduction assessment being carried out. This reduction on

unnecessary blue light journeys further reduces the risk to the public. Higher risk properties including

care homes, residential homes, domestic premises, hospitals and any other premises where a reduction

would increase the risk to occupants are not included in any appliance reduction process.

False Alarm - Equipment failure

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800Fiscal Yr

0

100

200

300


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