Deliberate fires decreasing

Deliberate fires in North Lanarkshire have decreased in lockdown according to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

The national service mobilised firefighters to a total of 2491 incidents of deliberate fire-raising between March and April last year, compared to 3658 incidents in 2019 – a 32 per cent reduction.

The figures were released as the service launches its annual Spring Safety campaign.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Alasdair Perry, SFRS head of prevention and protection, said: “While any reduction in the number of deliberate fires is welcomed, we simply cannot be complacent. Deliberate fires have the potential to cause injury and even death, or devastating damage to our environment and properties.

“One deliberate fire is one too many – they are a needless drain on emergency service resources at a difficult time.”

The data showed how deliberate fires in spring last year saw 329 in North Lanarkshire (a decrease of 41 per cent).

Most reported fires took place outdoors and were set in either grassland or rubbish and refuse, with some incidents including vehicles and even buildings.

The significant reduction coincided with Scotland’s first Covid-19 lockdown which introduced restrictions on movement which will continue into spring this year.

Alasdair Perry added: “Last year we saw restrictions put in place on social movement, and this year is no different as we continue to tackle this pandemic.

“As well as limits on how far people can travel, we also know that schools, clubs and community groups are affected or unable to open due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“Our firefighters and community action teams have been working, and will continue to work, extremely hard to engage with the public.

“It is vital we continue to remind people that deliberate fire setting is a crime.”