Lothian and Borders’ ‘hottest’ postcodes – those with the highest number of house fires – have just been revealed as part of a national campaign to encourage people to have working smoke alarms in the home.
The top five postcodes have been mapped according to the number of fires recorded in 2011-12 to illustrate that fire can happen to anyone at anytime, and urge communities across Lothian and Borders to ensure their homes are properly protected as winter approaches.
The postcode areas include EH4, EH6, EH7, EH11 and EH14 which each recorded over 70 house fires over the course of the year.
A nationwide tour visited venues in the region last week to support the work of Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service in assisting those who are most vulnerable or most at risk, however anyone concerned can still request a visit by texting FIRE to 61611.
Of the 1,199 house fires in Lothian and Borders in 2011-12, over half (52 per cent) didn’t have a working smoke alarm or had no smoke alarm at all. In the same year, 12 people in the region lost their lives and 341 people were hurt or injured.
Smoking, alcohol consumption, cooking accidents, misuse of electrical appliances or the overloading of electrical sockets are all potential risks.
Area Commander Alan Horberry, Head of Community Safety, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service says, “Firefighters know all too well that fire can strike at anytime and anywhere.
“There are very simple steps you can take to protect yourself. Through a free home safety visit carried out by local firefighters you can have smoke detectors fitted and get valuable first-hand advice from the experts on how to reduce your risk of a fire and what to do if the worst happens.
“I would urge people to take the time to think about their fire safety in the home and take up the opportunity of a free home safety visit from the fire and rescue service. It could save your life one day.â€
There were 6,149 house fires in Scotland in 2011-12, and in almost half of these cases (47 per cent), there was no working smoke alarm, or no smoke alarm at all.
In the same year, 51 people lost their lives and over 1,200 people were hurt and injured.
To request a free Home Fire Safety Visit, text FIRE to 61611 or visit www.dontgivefireahome.org for fire safety advice.