False alarms make up almost half of all call-outs for the fire brigade in Dumfries and Galloway.
Figures for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in the region for April 1 to September 30 show there were 280 unwanted fire alarms signals (UFAS) in the region.
The incidents made up 55 per cent of the 505 call-outs over the six month period according to a report for the police, fire and rescue sub-committee which meets next week. Nith ward registered the highest number in the region with 82.