FIREFIGHTERS in Dumfries and Galloway are appealing to communities to help them reach the region’s most isolated and vulnerable people in 2024.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is launching the Make the Call campaign and want people to make a ten-minute phone call to book a free home fire safety visit to help save a life.
Sadly, in the last 12 months 42 people in Scotland have died because of fire, with more than half of them over the age of 50.
Intelligence gathered from fire investigations has shown that people over the age of 50, who smoke and either have mobility issues, live alone, or use medical oxygen, are more likely to be injured or killed by a fire in the home.
However, communities can put firefighters and SFRS specialists in touch with anyone they think is vulnerable by making a ten-minute phone call, sending a single text or by filling out an online form.
Deputy assistant chief officer Iain Macleod said: “Far too often when we attend fires, we know they could have been prevented.
“If we had known about someone’s living situation and how vulnerable they were, we could have acted.
“But we do not know who is vulnerable, where they are, or how to contact them – we need help.
“That is why we are urging members of the public, families, and carers to make the call on the behalf of someone they know if they think they may be at risk or in a vulnerable to fire in the home.”
n To book a free home fire safety visit www.firescotland.gov.uk, phone 0800 0731 999 or text “FIRE” to 80800.
