Shock rise as north crews 'called to seven deliberate fires a day'
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NORTH firefighters were called to tackle seven deliberate fires every day in spring last year – a jump of nearly 50 per cent on the same period in 2018.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews in the north service delivery area – which stretches from Dundee to Shetland – were mobilised to 397 incidents of deliberate fire-raising in March and April last year.
This is a rise of 48 per cent on the same period in the previous year, when fire crews were called out to 268 needless blazes.
In Moray and Aberdeenshire, the figure leapt from 49 incidents in spring 2018 to 90 last March and April.
Across Scotland, 3,658 incidents of deliberate fire-raising were recorded during spring last year – a staggering increase of 97 per cent.
The fires were largely outdoor incidents affecting fields, refuse and countryside, but also included buildings and vehicles.
SFRS director of prevention and protection, Assistant Chief Officer Ross Haggart, said the "completely unacceptable and shocking" rise was putting lives at risk.
Mr Haggart said: "We take a zero-tolerance approach to deliberate fire-setting and it is a small minority of individuals who are potentially putting themselves, our firefighters and innocent bystanders at risk of serious harm and injury.
"Make no mistake – fire can cause injury and death. It can be devastating to properties, businesses and the environment.
"Last year witnessed a shocking rise in deliberate fire-raising during the spring period. These incidents are a needless drain on our resources and can impact on our response to genuine emergencies – where lives might very well be at risk."
Mr Haggart spoke out as SFRS launched its #SpringSafety campaign. He warned that the SFRS will do everything in its power to help police to trace fire-raisers.
He said: "It absolutely goes without saying that we prefer to prevent fires – not fight fires.
"We operate a strict zero-tolerance approach to deliberate fire-raising. It is reckless, selfish and can have devastating consequences."
Anyone with information about deliberate fire-raising should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
