With the summer holiday season upon us, firefighters from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are preparing to face a sharp increase in deliberate fires.
These types of incident account for more than 60 per cent of emergency fire calls across Scotland at this time of year and often involve fires in grass and heathland areas, derelict and unoccupied buildings, refuse bins and industrial skips.
Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, Director for Prevention and Protection for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Fire officers work together with colleagues from local authorities, police, businesses and the third sector for a safer Scotland.
“This joined-up approach has resulted in a reduction of deliberate fires over the past five years; nevertheless more needs to be done to reduce these incidents, which often have a debilitating effect on local communities.”
The majority of incidents occur during the summer and early autumn months and are more common during late evening and weekend periods. Firefighters will be working with representatives from partner agencies to raise public awareness of the dangers of lighting fires, and at the same time keeping a careful watch to identify and manage local areas of high activity.
Assistant Chief Officer Ramsay added: “Ensuring the safety of the public and protecting property from fire is our main concern. Deliberate fire setting is an offence and should be reported to Police Scotland. Alternatively, crimes can be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.
“Fire setting is an offence, don’t accept it, report it!”
