FALSE fire alarms in the Wee County continue to have an impact on fire and rescue resources.

Figures presented at Clackmannanshire Council by regional fire chiefs, relating to a period between April and September 2019, showed a small increase in so-called unwanted fire alarm signals (UFAS) in the area.

In that time, there were 113 unwanted alarms from automatic systems in non-domestic buildings, an increase of three compared to the same period the previous year.

Each resulted in an unnecessary blue light journey, putting crews and others at risk and directing resources away from real emergencies and community safety work – which is increasingly important – all while causing "considerable disruption" to business as well.

The issue has reared its head on many occasions in recent years and the latest figures showed that industrial premises, warehouses and bulk storage areas accounted for 20 such unwanted signals in the reporting period.

Another 14 came from residential and nursing homes and the same amount from educational facilities.

The report tabled at Kilncraigs last Thursday, March 10, said: "To reduce the impact of UFAS, we have introduced a process, that will ensure our weight and speed of response to UFAS incidents is based on risk."

Meanwhile, statistics showed there were 26 accidental fires at domestic properties, also an increase of three, but no fatalities.

The fire service continues to support vulnerable people with home fire safety visits as part of preventative work, especially as the predominant cause of accidental dwelling fires is cooking-related activities, which is in general the number one reason for house fires in Scotland.