A total of 27 people were killed by fire during the period, compared with 35 the previous year.

Amongst them were four in Glasgow and one in East Renfrewshire — the tragic death of 78-year-old Catherine Allison who died during a blaze in her home in Clarkston last October.

Brian Sweeney, chief officer of Strathclyde fire and 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".

Each of the 27 deaths across the region occurred at the person's home, with the most common place the bedroom.

Mr Sweeney said: "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".

Smoke detectors had been installed in houses where 17 of the deaths — classed as preventable by the fire service — occurred, but the alarm was only raised in five of those instances.

Smoking, living alone and mobility problems were factors in 13 deaths, followed by alcohol (9) and infirmity or advanced age (9).

Meanwhile, community safety minister Fergus Ewing announced on Monday that the Scottish Government will invest an extra £24.6 million in Scotland's fire and rescue services in the next year.

The money is to help pay for specialist equipment, and develop training facilities.

Mr Ewing said: "Investment in Scotland's public service infrastructure provides both modern public services and jobs for the construction industry which is vital in the current economic climate".

Projects which have already been identified will take up £9 million of the investment, while the remaining £15.6 million will be divided among the eight fire services in Scotland.