“Injuries and property damage caused by blazes are also much more common in Scotland than elsewhere.

A government-commissioned report has outlined a raft of measures to try and cut the number of fire deaths in the home.

Tayside Fire and Rescue community safety station manager Grahame Beats welcomed the report’s recommendation for greater multi-agency co-operation.

He said, “We try very hard to reach out to as many partners as we can. It’s not something the fire service alone is going to solve. It is social attitudes towards things that need to change.

“We support all the recommendations in the report, especially relating to the link between alcohol and the number of fires in the home.”

The research — the most detailed ever undertaken — produced 37 recommendations including new sprinkler system regulations.

Smokers’ materials and cooking appliances were found to be the main causes of fire, with alcohol often a contributory factor.

According to the study, 47% of fire victims were 60 or over and 53% lived alone. Victims were more likely to live in the poorest parts of Scotland.

Community safety minister Fergus Ewing commissioned the study in November 2008 following a 62% increase in fire deaths the previous fiscal year.

The report calls for a better sharing of information between local authorities’ social work, housing and health departments and the fire service. It also recommends that a special unit be set up to co-ordinate delivery of community safety by the different agencies.

Mr Ewing said, “The report contains a number of interesting proposals and clearly demonstrates the need for an effective multi-agency approach, to both target the root cause of fires and deliver preventative solutions.

“All proposals will be given full consideration and, where appropriate, will help shape the range of work already being delivered by both the Government and its partners. The proposals will also be debated in Parliament on November 12.”