Fire fatalities in Scotland
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The research entitled Fire fatalities in Scotland and recommendations to help reduce them – Final Phase: Review of Fire Investigation reports has led to a number of recommendations that, if implemented, would be expected to result in a reduction in fire fatalities.
[edit] Investigative reports
This final phase of collaborative research study investigating fire fatalities in domestic dwellings in Scotland involved a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative review of Fire Investigation reports. The reports, generated from 126 fires over a four-year period, were produced and supplied by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).
The stakeholder group, comprising the Fire Industry Association, SFRS, Scottish Government and BRE Global, reviewed the Fire Investigation reports. A number of recommendations have resulted that are aimed at different groups including care package suppliers, manufacturers of electronic equipment, public services (NHS, carers, social workers, police, SFRS), the general public and researchers.
[edit] Greater role for technology
The findings demonstrate that whilst new and emerging technologies may provide additional protection in the future, the greater use of existing technologies could be applied immediately and would be expected to save lives. Some of these include providing inter-linked smoke alarms in bedrooms and living spaces, the greater use of the certified watermist systems and greater communication of agencies, neighbours and relatives with the SFRS when an at-risk person has been identified.
Two key areas for warranting further research were proposed which were an experimental investigation of the common electrical items involved in starting fires and a demonstration of the effectiveness of current approved suppression strategies.
The briefing paper ends with an example concept strategy intended for Fire and Rescue Services to assist with the risk classification of vulnerable individuals and proposes solutions that would provide appropriate levels of life safety protection. The findings may be of use to fire and rescue services generally to enable them to identify vulnerable people most at risk and propose interventions to protect them.
BRE Global are exploring opportunities for performing similar collaborative studies in other countries.
This article originally appeared under the headline, "Fire fatalities in Scotland and recommendations to help reduce them – Final Phase: Review of Fire Investigation reports." It was posted in December 2020.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Building safety in Wales.
- Fire and rescue service.
- Fire in buildings.
- Fire safety design.
- Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.
- Interlinked fire alarm safety laws in Scotland.
- Ionisation smoke alarm.
- Multi-sensor alarm.
- New standards for better fire safety in homes.
- Optical smoke alarm.
- Scottish Advice Note addresses fire risk in multi-storey residential buildings.
- Scottish building standards.
- Scottish planning and architecture documents.
- Smoke detector.
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.