New figures show shocking scale of deliberate blazes

Emergency services are being called to hundreds of deliberate fires in Dundee and Angus each year, new figures reveal.

There have been almost 2,200 deliberate fires in Dundee in the last four years – almost double that of cities such as Aberdeen.

This year, crews have been involved in tackling more than 400 suspicious blazes across the city.

North-east MS P Bill Bowman said shocking figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives revealed lives are being put at risk.

Since 2017, Dundee has seen firefighters called to 2,178 deliberate fires, with Angus counterparts tackling 545.

Most of this year’s blazes have been sparked in the north-east of the city – 103 so far.

There have also been 93 in the Strathmartine area, many around the derelict hospital site. The scene of numerous call-outs, it has been a hotspot for years.

Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have partnered to reduce incidents there.

Initiatives have included going into Dundee schools to warn youngsters of the dangers of starting fires.

Locals are hoping residential development of the site may bring an end to the problem.

Angus councillors have approved a planning application for the old hospital and developers hope to start work there in the spring.

Meanwhile, 80 deliberate fires happened in Dundee’s East End, while there were 35 in Lochee and 31 in Broughty Ferry.

In Angus, firefighters have been called to 131 deliberate blazes this year.

The Mo ni fi et hand Sidlaw area has the highest total – 32 – with Arbroath East and Lunan registering 22.

Mr Bowman said the “reckless” incidents are happening too often.

“The figures are shocking and highlight just how big the problem is,” he said.

“While attending these incidents, fire crews could be taken away from genuine emergencies where lives are at risk.

“These reckless incidents harm communities and put lives needlessly in danger.”

He added: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are doing everything they can to get the message across.

“These deliberate acts present a huge drain on the fire service.”

SFRS area commander Gordon Pr yde, senior officer for Dundee, Angus, Perth and Kinross, is urging communities to help tackle the problem.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach to deliberate fire setting,” he said.

“It is a small minority of individuals who are potentially putting themselves, our firefighters and innocent bystanders at risk of serious harm and injury.”

PROBLEM: Firefighters attend an incident at the former Strathmartine Hospital. Picture by Kim Cessford.