Huge rise in deliberate fires sparks warning
Blaze-obsessed yobs blasted for putting lives at risk
The number of deliberate blazes started by reckless firebugs in Renfrewshire has almost doubled in recent years.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) lifted the lid on shock figures, which reveal a sharp hike in the number of fires set last autumn, compared to the previous season.
Fire-raisers sparked 77 blazes involving rubbish in 2016 — almost double the 44 that were set the year before.
And firefighters were called out to 125 minor blazes last year — a concerning increase from the 82 in 2015.
Worryingly, the majority of reported incidents were found to be deliberate and reckless — putting pressure on firefighters when genuine emergencies arose and placing lives at serious risk.
Assistant chief officer Dave McGown issued a warning to vandals, urging that SFRS staff will work closely with Police Scotland and Crimestoppers to catch offenders.
He said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has a zero tolerance approach to deliberate fire-raising because it puts our communities at great risk.
“It presents a danger to life, property and the environment.
“We will continue to work very closely with our police and local authority partners to ensure those responsible are identified and dealt with accordingly.”
National figures show that the SFRS were called out to more than 2,000 deliberate fires across the country last autumn.
And there were 943 refuse fires — an increase of 155 from 2015.
The SFRS is now launching its autumn safety campaign and is calling on parents to talk to their children about the danger of starting blazes.
Mr McGown, who is also the SFRS director of prevention and protection, spoke out ahead of Guy Fawkes celebrations.
He said: “In the weeks prior to bonfire night, our personnel visit schools to talk to young people about the dangers posed by deliberate fires, as well as fireworks.
“Parents and carers can also help by making sure that children and young people are aware of the risks of playing with fire and the consequences of deliberately setting a fire.”
Detectives are currently appealing for information to help track the sinister firebug who torched a Paisley home.
Officers say the lout tried to push lit paper through the letterbox of a house in Morven Avenue, Glenburn, just after midnight on Sunday, October 22.
They are also looking to track the fire-raisers who tried to set a building site alight in Inchinnan Road, Paisley, on Saturday, October, 14.
If you have any information on the crimes, contact police on 101.