Annandale and Eskdale Fire stats hit record low
The number of accidental fires in Annandale and Eskdale has hit a record low after incident numbers fell considerably for the second year running.
There were just 14 blazes started by accident in the district throughout the whole of last year, half of which were related to cooking appliances in the kitchen.
And just one person was taken to hospital for mild smoke inhalation as a result of these minor accidental fires.
In a fire service annual report produced for next week’s Annandale and Eskdale area committee, fire chiefs wrote: "There has been a 23 percent reduction in the number of accidental dwelling fires in Annandale and Eskdale during 2024-2025 – building on the 25 percent reduction experienced during 2023-2024.
"Out of the 14 accidental dwelling fires, seven of these fires were limited to the first item.
"These results are down to the diligence of both the Community Action Team (CAT) and station personnel to ensure that Annandale and Eskdale residents remain safe in their homes from the risk of fire."
Fire service bosses will attend Annandale and Eskdale area committee next week to present the annual report to councillors, and take any questions from them.
They will explain how last year’s performance report is 'extremely encouraging' in most areas.
The report states: "Overall, there has been a 12 percent reduction in all incidents with significant reductions in key priority areas including accidental dwelling fires 23 percent, deliberate fires eight percent, non-domestic fires 60 percent, false alarms 13 percent and unwanted fire alarm signals 46 percent.
"It is pleasing to note that again there have been no fire fatalities again this year.
"Unfortunately, the number of road traffic collisions (RTC) has increased slightly and in turn so have the number of associated casualties and fatalities.
Increased public awareness of fire escape plans, safer practices, and government legislation on smoke and heat alarms have all been identified as key factors in the pleasing statistics for Annandale and Eskdale.
The number of deliberate fires recorded in Annandale and Eskdale last year was 26 – down from 28 the previous year.
Out of these 26 incidents, three quarters were classed as secondary fires, meaning there was little monetary value in the items ignited such as grass and refuse. The remaining primary fires compromised three vehicles, two outdoor buildings and a dwelling.