Alcohol-related fire deaths drive

Chip pan fires can be caused by people drinking alcohol

Scotland's largest fire service has launched a campaign to tackle alcohol-related fire deaths.

Figures show 37 people died in fires in the Strathclyde area in 2004/05 and 26 of those were house fires.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said in a new report it was determined to slash the number of fire deaths and sever the link between house fires and alcohol.

The report said a typical Strathclyde fire victim is a male smoker, aged 50 or over, who lives alone.

Assistant chief officer Keith MacGillvray said it had become a nationwide problem.

The SFR report found that alcohol was the biggest contributory factor to fire deaths.

It also states that the "pernicious problem" of alcohol-related fire deaths had become "a nationwide blight".

We are introducing home fire safety visits where operational firefighters will give free advice and fit smoke detectors Keith MacGillvray Strathclyde Fire and Rescue

Mr MacGillvary said: "Strathclyde Fire and Rescue is determined to slash fire deaths.

"To help achieve this aim we are introducing home fire safety visits where operational firefighters will give free advice and fit smoke detectors."

Last year 87% of fire victims in the Strathclyde area had been drinking excessively or died as a result of someone else's drinking.

The brigade's awareness campaign has been supported by the area procurator fiscal for Glasgow, who has to investigate all sudden deaths.

The brigade is linking with social work departments to identify those most at risk and offer them advice and free alarm fitting.

Procurator Fiscal Catherine Dyer said she hoped people would read the report and take advantage of its advice to help cut the number of lives affected by fire in the Strathclyde area each year.

She added: "The impact on those who have lost loved ones in house fires is devastating."