The number of people killed by fires in the west of Scotland has fallen by almost a quarter.

Figures from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue showed that 27 people died in blazes during 2008/2009 compared with 35 in the previous year.

All of the deaths occurred in the home, with two thirds involving smoking or cooking appliances and were classed as preventable.

Six of the fatal fires were started deliberately.

Living alone and mobility problems were also listed as contributory factors in 13 of the deaths.

Nine involved alcohol, infirmity or older people.

Commenting on the figures, Brian Sweeney, chief officer of Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, said: "Although this is a significant reduction, more has to be done to continue this downward trend.

"Once again, fire has targeted those in our communities who suffer poor health, are older or live alone.

"We must continue to ensure that support and assistance is made available to these particular groups."

The figures form part of the 2008-2009 Fatal Incident Analysis report presented to the Board of Strathclyde Fire & Rescue.

The most common place for fire deaths to occur was the bedroom, followed by the kitchen and lounge.

Mr Sweeney added: "People now spend more time in the bedroom watching television and eating meals so there is just as much a reason to install smoke detectors in bedrooms as in the kitchen or the hallway."

A report published last November revealed that people living in Scotland were twice as likely to die in a fire than elsewhere in the UK.

The Community Fire Safety study, compiled by a group chaired by Mr Sweeney, made 37 recommendations aimed at tackling the problem.

Among them was the suggestion that each fire death be investigated by a range of agencies in the same way as drugs fatalities.

Source: BBC website