Arsonists strike twice in nine hours at old factory
ARSONISTS struck twice at a derelict Gwynedd factory in just nine hours.
Emergency services are now pleading for people not to put “unnecessary pressure” on teams following two deliberate blazes at the former Ferodo factory in Caernarfon.
Firefighters were first called to the building at 7.08pm on Tuesday, and three crews spent around 90 minutes tackling the flames.
A quantity of rubbish had been deliberately set on fire, sending thick smoke billowing into the air.
Four crews were called to the scene again at 4.08am on Wednesday and stayed at the scene for nearly three hours.
Police and the fire service are carrying out a joint investigation into the two incidents and are warning people of the dangers of entering such sites.
The former factory, which was renamed Friction Dynamics in 1997, has high levels of asbestos and other hazardous substances inside, according to North Wales Fire and Res- cue Service.
Officers are urging firebugs to think about the consequences of getting close to dangerous material and unstable structures and starting fires.
Sergeant Emma Williams of North Wales Police said: “People need to be aware of the wider dangers before someone gets hurt, or worse. Deliberate fires are a serious crime and those responsible will face the full force of the PIC: ARWYN ROBERTS law.”
Tim Owen, of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We have been called to this location twice in the last 24 hours.
“Deliberate fires like this put unnecessary pressure on emergency services and take our resources away from genuine emergencies.
“It means our firefighters are potentially unavailable for life-threatening fires and road accidents elsewhere.”
Anyone with information is asked to call North Wales Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.