Help stop preventable deaths in house fires. All it takes is a five-minute phone call.

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 a majority of people over the age of 50 who smoke, have mobility issues, live alone, or use medical oxygen, are more likely to be injured or killed by a fire in the home.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Iain Macleod oversees Prevention and Protection at the Service. He 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.”

Make the Call campaign is tasking loved ones and carers to book a free Home Fire Safety Visit to help save a life. Communities can put firefighters and SFRS specialists in touch with anyone they think is vulnerable by making a short phone call, sending a single text or by filling out an online form.

Once this communication is received, the Service will arrange for someone to receive a visit from trained SFRS staff from a local station to those who are most vulnerable. During the visit, staff will identify key fire risks, offer solutions and assistance, and where necessary install smoke detectors in the home for those who need it most.

It is important to note:

If you are a family member, or carer, then you can refer someone directly for a HFSV.
If you are a neighbour or friend, you must secure their consent before referring someone.

To make the call and book a free home fire safety visit www.firescotland.gov.uk, phone 0800 0731 999 or text “FIRE” to 80800.

For more information, including on how to make the call, please visit the Fire Scotland website (linked for your convenience).