Fire safety laws upgraded

First major reform in over 35 years comes into force

News, 3 August 2005

New fire prevention legislation has come into force, replacing Acts dating back to 1947.

The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 aims to reduce the number of fire deaths in Scotland. It restates and amends the law about fire authorities and fire boards, implements several EU directives and makes new provision for fire safety.

Part 3 of the Act, introducing a new fire safety regime for premises other than private dwellings, will not be commenced until next spring, allowing those who will have responsibilities under the new legislation to become familiar with these. Detail of requirements with regard to fire risk assessments and fire safety measures will be set out in fire safety regulations due for consultation in the next few weeks.

Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said that the Act turned the focus of the fire service's work increasingly on fire prevention as well as fire-fighting.

"That is why we placed fire prevention at the heart of the new Act. I am confident that this legislation will lay the foundations for delivering a modern service to communities right across Scotland."

He added: "In the coming weeks we will be setting out the national priorities and a strategic framework for the Fire and Rescue Service and will lay that before the Scottish Parliament. We will also consult on draft fire safety regulations in the very near future.

"It's vital that we continue to create a modern Fire and Rescue Service that responds to the demands of 21st Century Scotland."