Nearly 40 deliberate fires reported in New Elgin over three month period
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NEARLY 40 deliberate fires were reported in New Elgin over a three month period, prompting calls for parents to look out for the "warning signs" of deliberate fire raising.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Police Scotland are urging parents to check on the whereabouts of their children and to speak to them about the dangers of starting fires outdoors.
It it understood that 39 incidents occurred in the south of New Elgin alone between March and June this year.
Gorse, woodland and wheelie bins were set on fire over this period with police confirming that each incident is being investigated.
David Cowie, SFRS Local Area Liaison Officer for Aberdeenshire and Moray, said: "We are giving advice to parents about fire setting, but we also want to encourage youths to help us reduce these types of fires.
“They need to be aware that deliberate fires can spread quickly, threatening wildlife, property and people. They endanger their own safety, their future, and the wellbeing of others.
"We are proud of our educational and prevention work, however, parents and carers can help us by laying bear the costs and consequences of starting a fire.
"If possible, be aware of where children or young people are during the school holidays and what they’re doing.
"These types of incidents are a needless drain on emergency service resources with firefighters and police being taken away from attending actual emergencies.”
Constable Richard Russell, Crime Reduction Officer for the North East, says the police will work with relevant partners to make sure the incidents are dealt with "appropriately".
He said: “Setting fires deliberately is not a fun thing to do. It is dangerous and destroys and damages equipment, property and can ultimately lead to a loss of life.
“In the past few weeks, we have had several incidents reported about youths setting fires in the Moray area.
"This has included incidents where cans have exploded after being thrown into fires, This behaviour is dangerous and can have devastating consequences.
"All the incidents reported to us are currently under investigation with officers working to identify those involved.
“We will continue to work with the Scottish Fire Service and other partners to ensure this criminal behaviour is dealt with appropriately.”
