News
Smoking and booze are lethal mixture of risks
07/02/2011
The lethal combination of alcohol and cigarettes has contributed to several deaths and left almost 100 people injured in house fires across Strathclyde.
Since the start of December about 100 fires have resulted in casualties, and six people have lost their lives since Christmas - all but one in the Strathclyde Fire and Rescue area.
Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue's director of community safety, has warned that, although the festive season is over, the combination of alcohol and cigarettes played a key factor in the shocking tally and will have further fatal consequences.
In a hard-hitting message, Mr Ramsay said: "The message is blunt and, to be honest, it's relevant as since the start of December there have been almost 100 fires in homes which have resulted in casualties
"The tragedy is that, on five occasions, the person involved has died. Even at this stage, some have been severely injured and could still succumb to their injuries.
"While investigations are continuing, alcohol and smoking materials are relevant in many of these deaths and casualties.
"The simple message is this: if people choose to drink excessively over a prolonged period of time and smoke - they will have a fire in their home.
"They won't even hear a smoke alarm and if they rely on other people to notice something - it could be too late by then."
With weeks of arctic weather over the festive period, fire crews expected a busy period, but say this season has been unprecedented.
Mr Ramsay added: "In 20 years in the fire service, I can't recall five deaths over the festive period. People are undoubtedly consuming alcohol in their own homes, and I think there is a clear link with the availability of cheap alcohol.
"I have never known a period like this when there has been so many deaths. It is heartbreaking and frustrating.
"People have to take responsibility for their own safety. If they drink so much that they can't hear a smoke alarm, it will only end in one way. We are not out of the woods yet and I think we will see more fire deaths."
Source - Evening News 06/01/11
Since the start of December about 100 fires have resulted in casualties, and six people have lost their lives since Christmas - all but one in the Strathclyde Fire and Rescue area.
Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue's director of community safety, has warned that, although the festive season is over, the combination of alcohol and cigarettes played a key factor in the shocking tally and will have further fatal consequences.
In a hard-hitting message, Mr Ramsay said: "The message is blunt and, to be honest, it's relevant as since the start of December there have been almost 100 fires in homes which have resulted in casualties
"The tragedy is that, on five occasions, the person involved has died. Even at this stage, some have been severely injured and could still succumb to their injuries.
"While investigations are continuing, alcohol and smoking materials are relevant in many of these deaths and casualties.
"The simple message is this: if people choose to drink excessively over a prolonged period of time and smoke - they will have a fire in their home.
"They won't even hear a smoke alarm and if they rely on other people to notice something - it could be too late by then."
With weeks of arctic weather over the festive period, fire crews expected a busy period, but say this season has been unprecedented.
Mr Ramsay added: "In 20 years in the fire service, I can't recall five deaths over the festive period. People are undoubtedly consuming alcohol in their own homes, and I think there is a clear link with the availability of cheap alcohol.
"I have never known a period like this when there has been so many deaths. It is heartbreaking and frustrating.
"People have to take responsibility for their own safety. If they drink so much that they can't hear a smoke alarm, it will only end in one way. We are not out of the woods yet and I think we will see more fire deaths."
Source - Evening News 06/01/11