The number of fires started deliberately in Edinburgh soared by 43% last year, prompting a warning from the city’s senior fire officer. Kenny Rogers said,
“Such incidents place an unnecessary burden on fire service resources, in what is already a busy time of year for fire-fighters. We would urge parents to ensure that their children know about and understand the potentially tragic consequences deliberate fires can have.”
The first services has issues six ways people can ‘Join Scotland’s fight against fire’
- Be aware of strangers loitering in your street – if they do for some time, inform Police Scotland on the non-emergency number 101
- Contact Police Scotland via the non-emergency number 101 to share information on anyone who deliberately sets fires. Alternatively give the information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
- Report any build-up of rubbish to your local authority or community fire station – this will help to ensure that it is removed and prevent fires
- Ensure you are aware of where the children and young people you look after are – and what they are doing
- Make sure that children and young people are aware of the risks of playing with fire and the consequences of deliberately setting a fire
- Report any fly-tipping directly to your local authority or to the National Dumb Dumpers Stop Line on 0845 230 4090