Parents warned as children start fires

Parents are being urged to keep their children at home during the coronavirus lockdown as firefighters attend a number of deliberate fires.

It comes as Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service continuesto be called out to a number of deliberately started fires across the region during a time when everyone should be inside.

The service said that these fires are often set by young people, and recently 999 callers have informed its control room that young people have been seen running away from fires in wood and waste land.

In a message to families, fire chiefs are urging parents and carers to talk to their youngsters about the need to stay at home and the dangers of starting fires.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Peter Heath said: “We know it’s a very difficult time for many families – and we are very thankful to those who have ensured their children are abiding by lockdown and social distancing.

“However, we’ d like to reach out to all parents and carers to ask them to talk to the younger members of the family on the importance of staying at home.

“The fact that our crews are attending to deliberate fires, at any time, let alone a time when everyone should be at home, is very hard to understand.

“Our crews are often attending fires deep in woodland, tying up an appliance which could be needed for a life-risk incident.

“It also risks bringing our firefighters into unnecessary contact with others at a time when social distancing is vital to limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

“We are also concerned that some younger people are continuing to meet up with friends and could be spreading or catching the coronavirus.”