Fire chiefs welcome drop in fatalities

FIREFIGHTERS have a revealed a significant drop in the number of fatalities recorded in their emergency call-outs in Annandale and Eskdale.

Service chiefs have compiled a fresh report with stats on the first half of 2025/26, which they describe as “very encouraging”.

The detailed document will be presented to councillors at Annandale and Eskdale area committee next Wednesday.

It states: “The report for quarter one and quarter two for 2025–2026 is overall very encouraging. Once again there were no fire fatalities and a significant drop in non–fire fatalities experienced on the previous six-month period down from eight to one.

“The total number of incidents attended remained almost identical at 210. There was a slight increase in fires of 23 percent which can be attributed to the dry weather which saw a larger than usual number of wildfires across the country.

“Non–fire related incidents saw a large decrease of 40 percent and the amount of people requiring first aid or hospital treatment as a result of these incidents also experienced a 45 percent drop.”

It’s also noted that the availability of on-call appliances between the five stations averages 91 percent.

In the same reporting period, between April and September 2025, ten deliberate fires were recorded, while there were 12 accidental blazes.

Deliberate fire setting saw a reduction of 60 percent on the previous two quarters, down to ten. Of these, 80 percent were classed as secondary fires meaning there was little monetary value in the items ignited, such as grass and refuse. The remaining primary fires compromised one vehicle and one outdoor building and a dwelling. The peak times for these incidents were again between 6-8 pm.

The fire service continues to work in partnership with Police Scotland, education and youth justice to address deliberate fire setting, with Fire Setters Support and Education programmes delivered to individuals as an alternative to prosecution.

The fire report adds: “Our community action team are knowledgeable and have extensive experience of working with individuals with the aim of educating, not punishing to alter their behaviour.

“The team have a proven track record of working with both partners, families and the individuals themselves to bring around behavioural change resulting in safer communities and reduced demand on blue light services.”