 There were 388 attacks on firefighters during the year |
The number of people killed in fires in Scotland rose over the past year, it has emerged. A total of 87 people died, an increase of three on the previous 12 months, according to the annual report of the chief inspector of the fire service.
But the number of fire deaths in the home fell from 59 to 53 and domestic casualties were down from 72 to 58.
It was also revealed there were 388 instances of attacks on firefighters over the 12-month period.
The increase in the overall deaths was largely put down to the Rosepark care home fire in Lanarkshire which claimed the lives of 14 elderly residents in January.
'Saddened'
Chief Inspector of Fire Services Jeff Ord said he was "saddened" by the statistics.
He said: "While I welcome the decrease in household fire casualties and deaths, I am still concerned that more lives could have been saved had a smoke alarm been fitted or maintained in working order in these homes."
Regarding attacks on fire crew, Mr Ord added: "It is clearly unacceptable for staff to be attacked while carrying out their duties.
"I hope the new Emergency Workers (Scotland) Bill, which aims to define possible offences against firefighters and provide increased penalties for offenders, will reduce both the number and severity of attacks."
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