NORTH Ayrshire firefighters have joined a nationwide 'week of action’ to protect vulnerable people.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have launched the campaign to help prevent accidental house fires and the tragedies they cause.

The unprecedented move follows a recent appeal from the SFRS for the public to help it reach those most likely to be killed or injured as a result of fire in the home.

Area Manager Jim Scott – SFRS local senior officer for East, North and South Ayrshire – said: “None of us can afford to think fire only happens to other people in other communities.

“Two lives have been lost through fires in recent months. They were among 30 people to have died as a result of fires in Scotland so far this year.

“We know many fires where someone is killed or injured could be prevented but sadly the people who are at highest risk are often the most reluctant to get in touch with us.

“This week of action involves crews throughout Ayrshire reaching out to anyone who could use our advice or support.” People over the age of 60 accounted for almost two-thirds of those killed by fire in 2015 and, as well as age, the common factors contributing to many of the deaths were smoking, ill-health, living alone and limited mobility.

By sending operational crews and community firefighters to households, SFRS hopes residents will benefit from the advice and support available to keep their homes and everyone in them safe.

Area Manager Scott explained: “If an emergency happens then it can take longer for someone to escape if they’re over the age of 60, live on their own or have difficulty moving around.

“Our crews can help make sure smoke alarms are positioned where they will give people very effective early warning. They can also help design a fire action plan so everyone knows how to get out if a fire does start. We can help people understand the serious risk that comes with smoking in bed or if they’re tired and sitting in a chair.

“Even if someone can’t avoid doing this then we can work with partners to find solutions and lower their risk, so a huge amount of support is available.

“Firefighters want to help residents stay safe and confident in their homes and we need our partner agencies and the public to help us reach those who need our support.” Free home fire safety visits take around 20 minutes to complete and are conducted by local SFRS crews at a time convenient for the householder. A popular feature of the Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire campaign, they are available by calling the freephone number 0800 073 1999, by texting 'FIRE’ to 80800 or by filling in an online form at www.firescotland.gov.uk.

Jim Scott added: “When responsible citizens put vulnerable people in touch with us it can make all the difference.

“We would much rather spend time helping someone reduce the chance of a fire happening than respond to a serious incident where someone could be killed or seriously injured. I’d appeal for everyone to think whether they know someone who could be vulnerable. If the answer is 'yes’ then they should act now and put that person in touch with us. We also want to remind everyone not to delay calling 999 if they hear a smoke alarm from a neighbour’s home.

“It’s very common for people to assume an alarm has gone off for something that isn’t serious and hesitate to make an emergency call, but waiting to see if the alarm stops could cost someone their life.”