A new Local Fire and Rescue masterplan has been drafted including Largs and surrounding area, and local peoples' views are wanted.

Fire fatality rates within North Ayrshire are extremely low, with the majority of recorded fire casualties as sustaining only slight injuries.

Deliberate fire setting on average accounts for just over 1 in 4 operational responses in North Ayrshire.

Whilst attendances at non-fire related emergencies on average account for around 1 in every 8 operational responses, and are considerably less than the number of fire related incidents, the

number of fatalities and casualties are notably higher than fire related injuries.

Whilst the majority of non-fire emergency casualties are as a result of road traffic collisions within North Ayrshire, another emerging trend has been identified in those persons requiring assistance from other organisations.

This results in support being requested from Scottish Fire and Rescue in the form of forcing entry into premises to render assistance to occupants or the provision of first responder (medical) assistance.

Many incidents within North Ayrshire are as a result of a confirmed genuine emergency, however, on average half of emergency responses made by the service turn out to be false alarms.

There are also a number of warnings of fire generated by fire alarm systems which, following an attendance and investigation, turn out to be false in their origin.

Reducing service demand, whilst developing the role of Scottish Fire and Rescue as part of the ongoing process of public service reform, presents 'both challenges and opportunities', say the fire service.

James Scott, Local Senior Officer for Scottish Fire and Rescue said: "The demands placed upon the service to respond to a wide variety of incidents challenges us to ensure our personnel acquire and maintain a range of skills to enable our ability to respond to emergencies.

"Through the identification and the management of risks within the area we will continue to prepare for these responses, however we recognise on many occasions this demand can be reduced through effective intervention measures."

James added that the fire brigade's priority was to direct its resources to the point of need within our communities to protect those most at risk from harm.

To read the masterplan for the future of Scottish Fire and Rescue in the North Coast and Cumbrae, go to www.northayrshire.community/2017/05/08/draft-local-fire-rescue-plan-north-ayrshire/

The survey closes on July 2.