With the risk of wildfires rated as ‘very high’ in Scotland this weekend and into next week, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has urged the public to take the utmost care in the countryside.
The wildfire warning follows a series of wildfires across Scotland over the past week including a large fire on Ben Lomond which took two days to extinguish.
The weather pattern over the next few days – dominated by high-pressure, variable winds and temperatures peaking at 17°C – increases the risk.
The warning applies from today, Friday 25 March and lasts until Wednesday 30 March.
· Central and North East Scotland. Risk rating – VERY HIGH until 28 March · Central and South Scotland. Risk rating – VERY HIGH until 30 March
Accumulated dead grass, leaves, twigs and heather on the ground at this time of year dries quickly in light winds and, when ignited, acts as fuel which can spread wildfires over a wide area.
People who live, work or are visiting rural areas, in particular, are being urged to exercise the utmost caution to avoid fires breaking out.
SFRS Group Commander, Niall MacLennan said: “Numerous wildfires across Scotland this week, including large fires on Ben Lomond and near Mallaig have shown how real the danger of fire is in the countryside and how damaging it can be to the environment, wildlife and nearby communities.
“With rising temperatures this weekend and further dry conditions into next week, wildfires could burn and spread with very high intensity in high-risk areas.
“Therefore, we are asking people to act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors and please think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.”
A wildfire warning has been issued by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service as the weather pattern over the next few days is dominated by high-pressure and strengthening winds.
The warning starts today, Sunday 20 March, and lasts until Wednesday 23 March.
• West and North-East Scotland EXTREME
• Rest of Scotland HIGH to VERY HIGH
At this time of year, in mid-March, there is a lot of dead grass and heather left over from last year which can dry very quickly. People who live, work or visit rural areas are being urged to exercise caution.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Bruce Farquharson, the SFRS Wildfire Lead, said: “Over the next few days in high risk areas, fires could burn and spread with very high intensity due to the weather conditions.
“We know how damaging wildfires can be to the environment, wildlife and nearby communities. “We are asking people to act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors and please think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.”
Firefighters in Scotland were called to tackle almost 80 deliberately set fires every single day during Spring last year – more than two thirds than during the same period in 2020.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews were mobilised to a total of 4,287 incidents of deliberate fire-raising between March and April 2021.
The figures have been released to coincide with the launch of the service’s #SpringSafety campaign.
This is an increase of 71 per cent on the year before, when SFRS crews were turned out to 2,493 needless emergency incidents.
The data shows how deliberate fires in Spring last year included 582 in the city of Glasgow (an increase of 54% on 2020) and 337 in Edinburgh (up 71%).
Other notable year-on-year increases included a 209% rise in the Perth, Kinross, Angus and Dundee area (up from 130 to 402); 94% rise in East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (up from
188 to 364); and 86% in Falkirk and West Lothian (up from 190 to 354). [See full regional year-on-year breakdown below]
The 4,287 deliberate fires were largely comprised of outdoor incidents impacting fields, refuse, and countryside, but also involved hundreds of building and vehicle fires.
This behaviour could place lives at risk, warned Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Alasdair Perry, Head of Prevention and Protection for SFRS.
DACO Perry said: “We take a zero-tolerance approach to deliberate fire-raising and it is a small minority of individuals who are potentially putting themselves, our firefighters and innocent bystanders at risk of serious harm and injury.
“Make no mistake – fire can cause injury and death, it can be devastating to properties, businesses and the environment.
“Last year, we witnessed a shocking rise in deliberate fire-raising during the Spring period. The fact that our firefighters are called to thousands of deliberately set fires each year is completely unacceptable.
“These incidents are a needless drain on our resources and can impact on our response to genuine emergencies.”
DACO Perry warned that the SFRS will continue to do everything in its power to help Police Scotland trace those risking the safety of communities across Scotland.He said: “It absolutely goes without saying that we want to prevent fires – not fight fires.
“As a result, our firefighters work extremely hard to engage with the public and promote safety messages, and parents, guardians and carers can also help by making sure that children and young people are aware of the risks.
“But let me be very clear – we operate a strict zero tolerance approach to deliberate fire-raising. It is a criminal offence and can have devastating consequences.
“We will continue to work very closely with our police and local authority partners to provide evidence that will ensure those responsible are identified and held to account for their actions.”
Anyone with information about deliberate fire-raising should contact the free and confidential Crimestoppers helpline on 0800 555 111.
Police are working with local partners to tackle anti-social behaviour following an increase in incidents linked with youth gatherings at Sighthill Public Park and on the tramline between Hermiston Gait and Balgreen.
Community policing teams in Edinburgh Southwest have been working closely with Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Trams and the Fire Service to put in place a strategy to combat anti-social behaviour and protect the local community.
As part of the strategy, called Operation Pillar, police have introduced high visibility patrols at peak times and increased CCTV coverage in key locations across the area to discourage anti-social behaviour and help with identifying those responsible where incidents do occur.
Officers will also be delivering educational inputs at local High Schools and implementing diversionary interventions with local young people.
Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton said: “We know that the increase in anti-social behaviour in the area has been a cause for concern to many in the community.
“For this reason we have been working closely with our local partners to put together a comprehensive strategy so we can tackle this issue head-on
“By establishing high visibility patrols and increasing CCTV coverage we expect to see a reduction in the number of incidents occurring and be able to catch those responsible where they do.
“Officers will be providing support to Council park rangers, tram staff and colleagues at the Fire Service so that any instances of anti-social behaviour can be dealt with effectively.
“Positive engagement with young people is also a key component of this strategy and by working with local schools we hope to prevent any incidents from happening in the first place.
“If anyone does however observe any anti-social behaviour or criminality, I would ask that people report through the 101 telephone number, or if it is an emergency to dial 999.
“Members of the public are also encouraged to speak with patrolling officers when they see them to highlight any issues or concerns.”
An Edinburgh Trams spokesperson said: “The safety and wellbeing of customers and employees is always our number one priority, and we work closely with the police and other partners to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour that are sometimes reported on the network.
“These partnerships include regular joint patrols with the police, while extensive, high quality CCTV coverage on the tramway enables us to react quickly to any incidents. Footage captured by our cameras can also be shared with the police to help them to identify those responsible.
“Trams are one of the safest forms of public transport and these measures provide further reassurance for our customers and colleagues.”
Charter protects rights at work for those facing a terminal illness
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has signed up to the Dying to Work Campaign which aims to help employees who become terminally ill at work.
The campaign is managed by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and employers are encouraged to sign up to a voluntary charter which makes a number of commitments to employees.
Signing the voluntary charter of the Dying to Work Campaign is an employer’s commitment to ensure that all employees who have a terminal illness have adequate employment protection and its aim is to provide financial security at a time when it is most needed.
The signatories on the charter include SFRS, Unison, Unite, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), the Fire Officers Association (FOA), the Fire Leaders Association (FLA) and the Fire and Rescue Services Association (FRSA).
At SFRS head office in Cambuslang a joint signing ceremony was held on Monday, February 21 which was attended by the following:
Martin Blunden, Chief Officer, SFRS
Kirsty Darwent, Board Chair, SFRS
Liz Barnes, Director of People and Organisational Development. SFRS
Gillian Clark, Human Resources & Organisational Development Manager, SFRS
SFRS Chief Officer Martin Blunden, said: “We support the TUC’s Dying to Work Campaign and in signing the Dying to Work Charter, we show our continued commitment to the welfare of the staff of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“The health and wellbeing of our staff is a priority and when employees are faced with a serious or terminal illness, it is important that they are able to choose the path that is right for them and their families, without having the additional worry of financial uncertainty.
“We hope that the signing of this charter will provide reassurance to our employees that they have the support of their employer at a time when they need it the most.”
STUC President / Unite Scottish Secretary, Pat Rafferty, said: “The STUC wholeheartedly supports the Dying to Work Charter and we warmly welcome the SFRS showing leadership by committing to it as well.
“It’s vital that organisations and employers support workers who become terminally ill. In these circumstances the worker and their families face huge emotional stress, anxiety, and possible financial worries.
“The Dying to Work Charter can help to alleviate some of these stresses and sets out a progressive way in which workers should be treated, and supported in the event of a terminal diagnosis.
“The Charter is about giving an individual options around how they want to proceed at work. In some cases, an individual will want to continue to work for as long as they can while in other cases a person may decide that they do not want to work anymore, and would rather spend their remaining time with family and friends. Therefore, we thank the SFRS for signing the Charter and allowing workers to exercise choice in the most difficult of circumstances.”
FBU Regional Secretary Ian Sim, said: “The Fire and Rescue Service within Scotland has a proud history of treating terminally ill employees in a sympathetic and dignified manner, I am delighted that SFRS are now also making this public commitment by signing the Dying to Work Charter.
“The Charter provides staff members and their family with peace of mind, financial security and freedom of choice at a time when they are facing the most heart-breaking of circumstances.”
Scottish Representative for the FRSA, David Crawford said: “The FRSA proudly supports the Dying to Work Charter which demonstrates a public commitment to treat terminally ill employees with the necessary support, while showing empathy and sensitivity in what is a very difficult time emotionally and financially for employees and their families.
“We would also wish to thank the SFRS and other stakeholders for signing the Charter, which emphasises the strength of feeling of just how important this matter is to all employees and how it could affect anyone within the organisation.”
National Secretary, Fire Leaders Association, Andrew Hopkinson said: “It is great to see the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continuing to demonstrate their wholehearted commitment to looking after their employees by publicly signing up to the Dying to Work Charter.
“In doing so, they are joining a growing number of organisations across the UK who have given their staff the comfort of knowing they and their families will be well supported by the Service and treated with the respect and dignity they deserve should they be diagnosed with a terminal illness.”
Glyn Morgan, Strategic Advisor, Fire Officers’ Association said: “Adoption of the Dying to Work Charter is a very positive step for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“Although it would be hoped that all employers would treat terminally ill employees and their families with compassion that may not always be the case. Signing the Charter is a very welcome commitment to support and assist people whilst alleviating worries about employment matters during very difficult times.”
Gillian Bannatyne, Regional Organiser Unison, said: “It’s a sad truth that people of working age will contract terminal illnesses. If that happens they deserve support from their employer – either to continue working, or spend their remaining time with their loved ones.
“We are absolutely behind SFRS in making this commitment to those workers who find themselves in tragic circumstances, and we would urge other organisations to do the same.”
The Fire Brigades Union has welcomed the call from the MSPs on the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee for groups and individuals to submit views on the proposed Scottish Government Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Bill.
The published bill includes plans for :-
Limiting the dates to when fireworks can be sold in shops to a total of 37 days a year based around holidays and cultural events.
Ensuring anyone using the types of fireworks to be regulated would need special training, and a fireworks license.
The provision of control zones to be established by councils, where most types of fireworks could not be used.
The police would have new powers to search for and seize fireworks.
FBU Scottish Secretary Ian Sim said: “We welcome this call for evidence by the Criminal Justice committee. Every year the irresponsible use of fireworks causes fires, injuries and spreads fear in the community; it is our members who are put into dangerous situations trying to deal with the consequences.
“This is a real opportunity to protect the public, their properties and the people who keep us safe. We urge all those who have been impacted by fireworks to submit their views to the consultation.”
The Fire Brigades Union has called for the Scottish Government to convene immediate multi-agency talks to try to find a solution to fire safety concerns in schools and the home.
The union has raised its concerns about the proposal to improve school classroom ventilation by undercutting school classroom doors which, in turn, could compromise the fire safety of classrooms putting students, staff and firefighters in danger.
The union also wants clarity over the newly rolled out Scottish Government legislation on interlinked fire alarms in the home, which became law on 1st February.
Ian Sim, FBU Scotland Regional Secretary said: “The safety of school students and staff, our members and the general public is paramount.
“At the moment there is too much uncertainty and mixed messaging over these two very important fire safety issues, in particular, the potential fire risk that comes from undercutting doors. The doors affected could potentially include fire doors.
“We need clarity and certainty over these plans and the Scottish government must now convene immediate multi-agency talks to establish the safest way forward.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has opened a consultation on its Draft Gaelic Language Plan 2022 – 2025 to widen access and promote the Gaelic language across the organisation.
The consultation seeks the views of key stakeholders, communities and staff on the second draft of the Service’s Gaelic Language Plan which has been prepared in line with the Framework of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.
Liz Barnes, Director of People and Organisational Development is inviting people to take part and help influence the way the SFRS integrates Gaelic into its operations and working practices.
She said “Gaelic belongs to the whole of Scotland and we would like to develop the understanding and use of the language, its history and heritage.
“You can help shape the future of Gaelic in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“It’s easy to take part. Respondents are invited to answer a short survey and give their views on the Plan. Responses to the consultation will be used to shape our approach and inform the final Plan.”
The Service has a legal responsibility to have a plan and it wants to build on its existing plan to support the aim of increasing the use of the language by more people, in a wider range of situations.
The consultation will run for six weeks from 17 January to 27 February 2022 and can be accessed here:
Co-chomhairle air Plana Gàidhlig Seirbheis Smàlaidh agus Teasairginn na h-Alba
Tha Seirbheis Smàlaidh agus Teasairginn na h-Alba air co-chomhairle a thòiseachadh air an dreachd Phlana Ghàidhlig aice airson 2025 gus cur ri ruigsinneachd agus gus Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh air feadh na buidhne.
Tha a’ cho-chomhairle a’ sireadh bheachdan bho phrìomh luchd-ùidh, coimhearsnachdan agus luchd-obrach air an dàrna dreachd den phlana, a chaidh ullachadh a rèir Frèam Achd na Gàidhlig (Alba) 2005.
Tha Liz Barnes, Ceannard Daoine agus Leasachadh na Buidhne air cuireadh a thoirt do dhaoine pàirt a ghabhail ann agus gus buaidh a thoirt air an dòigh sam bith Seirbheis Smàlaidh is Teasairginn na h-Alba a’ filleadh Gàidhlig a-steach do na gnìomhan agus dòighean-obrach aice
Thuirt i “Buinidh a’ Ghàidhlig ri Alba air fad agus tha sinn airson cur ri tuigse agus cleachdadh na Gàidhlig, agus ri tuigse air a h-eachdraidh is dualchas.
“Is urrainn dhut buaidh a thoirt air an àite a bhios aig Gàidhlig ann an Seirbheis Smàlaidh agus Teasairginn na h-Alba san àm ri teachd.
“Tha e furasta pàirt a ghabhail ann. Thathar ag iarraidh air luchd-freagairt suirbhidh goirid a fhreagairt agus na beachdan aca a thoirt seachad air a’ phlana. Thèid freagairtean dhan cho-chomhairle a chleachdadh gus cumadh a thoirt air an dòigh-obrach againn agus gus am plana mu dheireadh fhiosrachadh.”
Tha uallach laghail air an t-Seirbheis plana a bhith aice agus tha i airson togail air a’ phlana làithreach aice gus taic a chumail ri phrìomh amas Plana Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig gum bi an cànan ga chleachdadh le barrachd dhaoine, ann an raon nas fharsainge de shuidheachaidhean.
Ruithidh a’ cho-chomhairle fad sia seachdainean bho 17mh Faoilleach gu 27th Gearran 2022. Gheibhear an suirbhidh an seo.
Crews of up to nine were routinely being mobilised in two fire appliances to an average 28,479 false alarms each year – equating to around 57,000 unnecessary blue light journeys.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service recently held a 12-week public consultation which provided communities and partners with three options to safely reduce these numbers.
The consultation identified that most stakeholders supported Option A which means that the SFRS will establish if Automatic Fire Alarms (AFAs) in workplaces have been triggered by an actual fire before sending any appliances.
This change, which will reduce attendance rates by up to 57 per cent, will come into effect in April 2023 and will bring Scotland into line with most other UK Fire and Rescue Services.
Hospitals, residential care homes and sleeping risk premises will remain exempt and appliances will continue to be mobilised automatically to any fire alarm activations within these facilities.
It is anticipated that 37,524 hours could now be released each year for firefighters to enhance their training – and carry out community safety work, including supporting the most vulnerable to stay safe from fires within the home.
SFRS Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens said: “We are grateful to the public and our partners for sharing their views on our proposals.
“False alarms account for almost one third of fire and rescue activity across Scotland. They place a drain on front line services, increase risk to road users and cause interruption to the business sector and communities.
“The advantages of call challenging workplaces to reduce these callouts are clear,” said ACO Stevens.
“Making this change means we can carry out more training, community safety and fire prevention activity, as well as improving road safety and reducing our carbon impact.
“These unnecessary blue light journeys bring risks to our crews, other road users and pedestrians as well as impacting the environment with an estimated 575 tonnes of carbon emissions produced – the equivalent of heating 230 homes a year.
“Businesses will also experience less disruption as they no longer need to wait for us to attend to give the all clear after a false alarm.
“The legal responsibility for dealing with an AFA alert lies with the duty holder of a property and most UK fire and rescue services now seek confirmation of a fire before attending. Now the SFRS is making this change too.”
The Board paper, full consultation report and associated documents can be accessed online at:
A campaign encouraging householders in Scotland to minimise the risk of a fire has been launched by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Latest figures show firefighters attended more than 450 accidental house fires in just one month last winter. Sadly, during the same period, accidental house fires claimed the lives of seven people and resulted in 58 casualties.
The incidents happened between 7 December, 2020 and 11 January, 2021.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Ali Perry is the SFRS’ Head of Prevention and Protection. He said: “Fire is a risk for everyone, but some people are more at risk than others.
“If you know someone who is over 50 and smokes, and who has either mobility issues or uses medical oxygen or lives alone, please arrange a Home Fire Safety Visit on their behalf.
“One death because of a fire in the home is one too many. Reaching out to those who are vulnerable can help save lives in our communities.”
A free online self-assessment on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s website is available to everyone in Scotland to find out how fire safe their property is.
On completion, participants can download a unique report about their home, which gives advice on how to rectify risks and problems. Since its launch last year, more than 2,000 reports have been downloaded.
There are nine steps to a safer home – as participants are asked to consider their use of smoke detectors, cooking in the kitchen, smoking and candles, electrics and heating, emollient creams, medical oxygen, air pressure mattress, night time routine and fire action plan.
DACO Perry said: “By walking through the nine steps you can massively reduce the risk of a fire in your house.
“Taking a few minutes to do the self-assessment and identify the hazards in your own home can help keep you and those around you safe.
“Colder months ahead this winter mean an increased use of heating and electricity combined with festive lights, trees, decorations, and candles – all of these can heighten the risk of fire potentially taking hold within the home.
“If you can’t get online, then get in touch with us through your local station who will be more than happy to offer help and guidance.
“We want everyone to remember this winter, and the festive period, for all the right reasons.”
The Winter Safety section of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website has lots of information on how to heat your home safely during the colder months.
Community Safety Minister Ash Regan said: “Fire prevention is always much better than emergency response when it comes to safety in the home.
“As we reach the coldest and darkest part of the year, I would encourage everyone to follow the easy, but important steps laid out by SFRS that will help prevent fires.
“The free online safety assessment offered by SFRS is an important way to identify the hazards in your own home and please contact them direct if you think you, or any family and friends, might be at higher risk of fire.”
Please ‘Make the Call’ to SFRS to support those who are most at risk of fire. If you know of someone who needs a Home Fire Safety Visit get in touch by calling 0800 0731 999. Or text FIRE to 80800.
During a Home Fire Safety Visit SFRS staff will identify fire hazards and risks in the home, help plan escape routes and provide information about smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms.
