The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) says that the number of fires fell in 2014-15 by 11%, continuing the general downward trend of the past 10 years.  

The latest figures report 25,002 fires in Scotland, down from 27,979 in 2013-14. 

However, there were 41 fire fatalities in 2014-15, an increase on the all-time low of 33 the previous year. 

SFRS claim that the number of fatal casualties in fires is prone to fluctuation because the numbers are small and while this figure is higher than in 2013-14, it is the second lowest figure in the past decade.

It its believed that 10 of the people who died had used fire as a way to kill themselves. In previous years there had been between two and four fire fatalities a year that were found to be suicides.

The number of accidental dwelling fires increased by 6%, from 4,682 fires in 2013-14 to 4,953 in 2014-15; these were at the second lowest level in the decade.

Nine out of 10 of the dwelling fires were accidental and deliberate dwelling fires continued a downward trend at 618 fires, compared with 649 the previous year.

False alarms accounted for six out of 10 incidents attended by the SFRS, more than any other incident type. 

The total number of false alarms - to fire or special service incidents - increased by 3% from 2013-14 to 2014-15 (from 47,719 to 49,262). This is thought to have driven by equipment, which increased by 6%. This may, in part, reflect an increase in the number of alarms fitted in Scotland, though further analysis is required.

Click here for the full statistical publication and data tables, including local authority breakdowns for 2013-14.