Firestarters hit with bonfire night warning
Yobs are targeted
A fire chief has issued a stark safety warning after it was revealed that more than 2000 deliberate fires were started during last year’s bonfire season.
Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) David McGown, who runs the fire service National Training Centre in Cambuslang, does not want to see a repeat this year.
Statistics show that crews responded to 1214 secondary fires - such as bonfires – as well as 748 refuse fires between October 13 and November 6, 2017.
ACO McGown branded those responsible as “reckless” and insisted that they put communities at risk.
This week, he warned that firefighters will work closely with Police Scotland and Crimestoppers.
ACO McGown, who is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s director of prevention and protection, said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has a zero tolerance approach to deliberate fireraising because it puts our communities at great risk.
“It presents a danger to life, property and the environment – indeed, it is reckless in the extreme because we see all too clearly the loss and the devastation that can result from fire.
“We will continue to work closely with our police and local authority partners to ensure that those responsible are identified and dealt with accordingly. This behaviour from a very small minority within our communities cannot and indeed will not be tolerated.”
The experienced firefighter also reached out to communities to follow safety advice.
He added: “We would prefer everyone to attend organised displays.”
For advice on how to stay safe during Bonfire Night, visit www. firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/ bonfire-safety.aspx