The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Concern after groups of youths seen at site of blaze beside reservoir
Groups of young people were seen at the site of a large grass fire at a Fife beauty spot on Saturday night.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were called to the Coul Reservoir near Glenrothes to extinguish flames at around 7.50pm.
Images showed patches of grass ablaze as some of the teens looked on.
Fire officers could then be seen approaching scores of youngsters to offer advice after dealing with the incident.
In one of the pictures, posted on social media, a person can be seen lying close to the flames.
A spokesman for Scottish Fire and Rescue confirmed two water backpacks were used to put the fire out.
Local councillors have admitted the pictures from Saturday’s events were “concerning”.
SNP councillor Ross Vettraino said: “I am very concerned that such a large group of teenagers were spotted in this area, clearly flouting Covid regulations.
“These young people were ignoring the advice of health authorities and should not have been all together at this site. Their behaviour is totally irresponsible.
“There is too much vandalism just now and this is another clear instance of that.
“It has also involved emergency resources that may well have been needed at another incident.”
Labour councillor Altany Craik said: “This is a devastating and unnecessary incident. It would have been very frightening and worrying for people who live close by.
“This fire could have threatened the lives of local people as well as the livestock that are nearby.
“I am really disappointed to hear that the fire officers at the scene had to speak to such a large group of teenagers.
“They were clearly breaking Covid guidance but it would also be very worrying if they turned out to be behind the fire at the reservoir.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesman added: “We can confirm we were called to the report of a grass fire. We had one appliance in attendance.”
Police Scotland said: “Around 7.50pm on Saturday, police were called to a report of a fire at Coul Reservoir. Scottish Fire and Rescue attended and extinguished the fire.
“No one injured. However, a number of youths ran off on police arrival. A 16-year-old male youth was arrested.”