NON-DOMESTIC accidental fires in Inverclyde have risen sharply year-on-year, according to newly-published figures – though the total number of incidents remains low.

A report prepared for Inverclyde Council’s local police and fire scrutiny panel reveals a 67 per cent increase in the number of non-domestic fires across Inverclyde in the three months from July 1 to September 30 compared to the same period in 2023.

However, in numerical terms, that amounts to an increase from three in July, August and September last year to five in the same period in 2024.

A report on the latest Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) performance figures for the area states that four of this year’s five non-domestic fires have been classed as accidental, and one as deliberate.

READ MORE: Sexual crimes in Inverclyde are falling year-on-year, new figures show

The report states that direct firefighting action was required in two of the five incidents, with no firefighting action needed in another two.

The report’s author says: "It is disappointing that this quarter sees us reporting a 67 per cent increase in the year on year indicator.

“The total number of incidents remains relatively low.

“The majority of these incidents were accidental in nature and all of the premises involved were subject to a post fire audit by our Fire Safety Enforcement Team, allowing SFRS to ensure that the responsible persons were legislatively compliant and also to provide advice and guidance on fire prevention.”

READ MORE: New fire boss says Inverclyde is 'well resourced' amid concern at planned cuts

During the same three-month period, ‘unwanted fire alarm signals’ rose from 32 last year to 43, while reports of deliberate fires remained static with 65 incidents recorded in both 2023 and 2024.

Recorded incidents of ‘unintentional injury and harm’, rose slightly from seven last summer to eight this time, while there was only one ‘accidental dwelling fire casualty’ recorded during the three-month period, a woman who was taken to hospital with slight injuries.

The number of accidental dwelling fires in the area fell from 17 to 16, with cooking appliances said to be the main source of ignition and distraction, or impairment caused by alcohol or drugs, a contributing factor in half of the incidents.

The report reveals that from July 1 to September 30, fire crews in Inverclyde dealt with a total of 304 incidents, up 7 per cent on the same period in 2023.

READ MORE: Domestic abuse is rising in Inverclyde, says new report - but crime overall is down

The number of fires, whether deliberate or accidental, rose by 10 per cent to 100, while ‘special services’ calls went up by 15 per cent to a total of 78; false alarms rose slightly, by 1 per cent to a total of 126.

The total number of incidents dealt with by SFRS crews in Inverclyde rose by 7 per cent to a total of 304.

The report will go before members of the police and fire scrutiny panel on Thursday, November 21.