From the archive: Death rate from fires ‘appallingly high’ - 4 October, 1950

IN THE opinion of Mr Angus D Wilson, HM Inspector of Fire Services for Scotland, much could be done to minimise loss of life due to fires throughout the country.

His first report covers the May 1948 to December 1949, and records an “appallingly high loss of life” due to fires in Scotland. During the period, 76 lives were lost as a direct consequence of fire, and, of these, 50 persons died or were fatally injured, before the arrival of fire brigade appliances; in some cases the fire brigade was not called at all. Ninety-eight persons were rescued. Mr Wilson said the number of deaths was far too many. “Admittedly, 13 of these lives were lost at one fire, but, at the same time, I am sure much could be done to minimise loss of life throughout the country,” he declared. “I look forward to the day when we can say with certainty that every life lost due to fire was unavoidable.”