Fire warning from police
10 incidents during March alone
Youths are putting lives at risk in the Cambuslang East ward by starting fires.
Rutherglen police attended 10 incidents in March alone in the Newton and Westburn areas.
There have been incidents recorded on Mitchell Avenue, Collie Wynd, Laurel Court, Newton Station/ Newton Farm Road, Greenwood Avenue and Shepherds Way.
Police and firefighters are particularly concerned about grass fires as the light evenings, drier weather and school holidays approach.
Would- be fireraisers are being told these incidents use up valuable resources.
Watch manager Alistair Stewart from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “Attending these fires places extra demand on fire service resources and they could be delayed in attending a real emergency if they are called out to rubbish and grass fires that have been set on purpose.
“These fires blight our communities and also damage the environment.”
And PC Laura Taylor of the safer communities department, added: “What if it was someone you know who was in danger? This is extremely serious as the fire service may not be able to attend calls such as house fires, road traffic collisions and chemical incidents. The outcome could end in serious injury or even death for the people or families involved.
“Every deliberate fire has victims, costs and consequences. Fire setting is an offence. Police Scotland is working in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and South Lanarkshire Council to educate the public on the dangers of wilful fire-raising and culpable and reckless fire-raising.”
Vandals are also being warned against water hydrant misuse.
This affects water supplies and can lead to injury from high pressure water and debris.
To provide information to police of persons who you know to be deliberately starting fires in your area please contact Police Scotland on their non-emergency number 101 or contact Scotland Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For further information on how to stay safe from fire during spring, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website www.firescotland.gov.uk.