Warning to local youngsters after spate of fires in Elgin woodland
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A WARNING has gone out to local youngsters after a spate of deliberate fires in Elgin woods.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has been called out to deal with more than 15 deliberate fires near Elgin High School over the last three months.
The fires were set in the wooded area behind Elgin Golf Course and woods adjacent to Mayne Farm.
At some of these incidents fire appliances were in attendance for more than an hour.
Elgin High School yesterday circulated a notice on behalf of the SFRS to warn pupils of the dangers.
Area Commander Martin Tait is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's Local Senior Officer for Aberdeenshire and Moray.
He said: "Deliberate fires are never acceptable and we take a zero-tolerance approach to such behaviour by working with police to identify those responsible.
"There's no doubt that it's a tiny minority of people who engage in such behaviour, but it is true that it can impact the work of firefighters by diverting crews away from genuine emergencies."
LSO Tait added: "With Bonfire Night fast approaching, this is typically our busiest period of the year and I would urge communities to consider the impact of their actions on people and Scotland's emergency services.
"With many public displays cancelled, we realise that people may consider using fireworks in a private setting within their garden, but there must be an awareness around the dangers presented by fireworks.
"That is why we have created our Fireworks Code to help keep everyone safe and to ensure those considering using fireworks are aware of all relevant safety advice.
"I would urge everyone to familiarise themselves with our Fireworks Code and to treat it as their first port of call before buying fireworks."
For more on the Fireworks Code visit https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/fireworks-safety.aspx.
