THE number of accidental house fires in North Ayrshire is at a five-year high, the Times can reveal.

In the last year across North Ayrshire there were 160 accidental fires an increase of 3.9 per cent on 2014/15 - the highest figure since 2011.

Of those house fires, 56 per cent were caused by cooking with distraction attributed as the cause in 44 per cent of house fires this year, while nine per cent of accidental house fires identified alcohol or other substances as a contributory factor.

In Irvine there were 47 house fires and in Kilwinning there were 13 between 2015 and 2016.

The number of people injured in fires in North Ayrshire is also on the increase.

According to the latest figures fire casualties have increased by 8.8 per cent from last year.

Between 2015 and 2016 there were 37 people injured in blazes across North Ayrshire - 31 of which were in accidental house fires.

Of those 13 were in Irvine and Kilwinning.

Figures also reveal that deliberate fire raising is also on the increase with a 19.8 per cent rise in incidents since last year.

Across the whole of North Ayrshire there were 537 fires started on purpose - 90 per cent of which were secondary fires and 41 per cent involved rubbish.

In Irvine there were 173 fires set deliberately, whist in Kilwinning that figure was slightly lower at 119.

Local Senior Officer James Scott said: “We are receiving a greater number of fire alerts as we are seeing more and more homes fitted with smoke detectors.

“Early warning is clearly making a difference, with the majority of accidental house fires resulting in minor injury and minimal damage to property.

“But we still prefer to attend in order to reassure and support residents - and ensure that it does not happen again.

“It absolutely goes without saying that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service prefers to prevent fires, not fight fires.

“That is why we work extremely hard to stop them from occurring in the first place.

“We pursue every possible method of prevention and one of those key methods is our Home Fire Safety Visits - as we can ensure that properties are fitted with a working smoke alarm.

“Our most recent figures show an 11 per cent increase in our attendance at homes and at those where some of the most vulnerable members of our community reside.”

To arrange a free Home Fire Safety visit contact SFRS on the freephone number 0800 073 1999, by texting ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or by filling in a form at www.firescotland.gov.uk