DUNFERMLINE has seen a drop in deliberate fires, fire-related casualties and deaths – but the number of accidental blazes is on the up.

The figures, for 2009-2014, were among the stats revealed in a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service report to councillors last Wednesday.

The report, which covered the wards of Dunfermline Central, North and South, showed there had been 78 deliberate fires in the city in 2013/14. While this was a rise from 67 the previous year, it was less than half the total of 180 in 2009/10.

However, 38 homes were accidentally set alight last year, a five-year high, and nearly double the 2011/12 total of 20 such incidents.

Similarly, there were 16 accidental fires in non-domestic buildings in 2013/14, a slight spike on the previous three years.

There were two fire-related deaths in the last five years, both occurring in 2011/12, but there has been a downward trend in non-fatal fire casualties, with just five last year.

There has also been a fall in the number of road accidents and flooding incidents, with just six and three respectively last year – compared with 11 and 16 in 2009/10.

Likewise, the number of false alarms – whether made with good intent or maliciously – dropped from a high of 292 in 2009/10 to 210 last year.

Dunfermline station manager Mark Bryce said, “Our aims are to reduce the number of fires, fire casualties, casualties from non-fire incidents and false fire alarm signals – 70 per cent of grill pan fires are extinguished before our arrival and we actually have a very low rate of house fires.” Councillors applauded the “excellent” work carried out by the service, which they said was reflected in the reductions of incidents and casualties.