Tayside Fire and Rescue have warned people to ensure they have smoke alarms fitted after a spate of fatal blazes across Scotland.
Six people have died in house fires over the past 10 days one in Lothian and five in Strathclyde.
Tayside Fire and Rescue community safety manager Martin Tait said, “My heartfelt sympathies go out to the families and friends of those who have lost a loved one in such a tragic way.
“While saddened to hear this, this serves as a stark reminder that we cannot become complacent and think that we are immune to fire and its effects.”
Figures for the last 10 years show that the number of casualties in house fires rises by a third during the winter.
In Tayside a quarter of all home fires in 2009/10 occurred in December and January.
Mr Tait said, “It is important that people make sure the basics are in place and take all necessary precautions to prevent fire from occurring.
“They should also ensure their homes are fitted with a working smoke alarm and know what to do should a fire break out.”
He added, “We’re urging people to take special care, particularly when drinking alcohol, to ensure they don’t put themselves and their families at needless risk.”
Of the 6705 domestic fires which occurred in Scotland in 2008/09, more than a third were in homes that did not have a smoke alarm installed.
In the same year a total of 54 people lost their lives in house fires, 40% of which were in properties that did not have a working smoke alarm.
Mr Tait said residents should arrange a free home fire safety visit where firefighters will come to their home to check for any fire risks, give safety advice and install free working smoke alarms if required.
A visit can be arranged by calling 0300 1239998 or texting “Check” to 61611.
Alternatively, visits can be arranged online.