Fire chiefs pledge action on deliberate blazes

THERE has been an increasing number of deliberate secondary fires across Perth and Kinross.

The majority have been in Perth – particularly Perth City North ward.

A fire chief this week assured councillors the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has taken action to address the issue.

The increase was reported to Perth and Kinross Council’s housing and communities committee on Wednesday.

The latest SFRS quarterly report for April 1 to June 30 2021 reported the number of deliberate primary fires (eight) being equal against the average.

But the number of deliberate secondary fires increased to 45 incidents against a three-year average of 29.

Secondary fires are mainly small outdoor fires not involving people or property.

Most of the incidents were in Perth City North and Perth City Centre wards.

In Perth City North there were five refuse fires and seven grassland fires – “all relatively small.”

In his report area manager Stephen Wood said having identified a spike the brigade worked with schools and increased warden patrols in specific areas.

He added: “We continue to monitor this situation.

“During the last few months we have continued to work with partners to reduce the number of all deliberate fire incidents, albeit the current Covid pandemic has limited these activities.

“This proactive approach endeavours to reduce the number of deliberate fires, particularly secondary fires, as part of a wider youth awareness education initiative.

“These included working with local schools to reduce this type of unacceptable, anti-social behaviour.”

Group commander Ewan Baird told the committee it was always part of their action plans to undertake this awareness of secondary fires.

He said the fires were predominantly very small bin fires but there had just been a high number.