Deliberate fire-raising is on the rise now that spring has arrived and it is putting lives and property at risk.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has called for an end to deliberate fire-raising which tends to increase during the spring months.
Already in the first few days of the holidays crews across Fife have been called to the Levenmouth, Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes and Lochgelly areas to grass and gorse fires as well as rubbish and bins on fire.
During the months of March and April, the fire service traditionally sees an increase in the amount of deliberate fires across Scotland compared to the rest of the year.
These fires present a danger to life, property and can have a detrimental financial impact on the Scottish economy.
In March and April last year there were 2,384 deliberate fires in Scotland.
While this is down significantly from a high of 4,677 in March and April of 2011, this shows that although SFRS are making a considerable impact, there is still much work to be done to reduce the number of fires further.
Group manager Alex Smart, prevention and protection manager in Fife, said:“We want the public to have an enjoyable break over the Easter period, and also a safe one.
“Over the next few months we’ll typically see an increase in the amount of deliberate fires.
“SFRS is appealing in particular to young people as they go on school holidays for the Easter break to consider the consequences of deliberately setting a fire.
“We would urge parents to ensure that their children know about and understand the potentially tragic consequences deliberate fires can have, as well as the impact for responding emergency services.
“Fire setting is an offense don’t accept it, report it.
“We ask residents and businesses to ensure that rubbish does not accumulate outside their property and that wheelie bins are stored in a safe and secure area until collection.
“Bin and rubbish fires can quickly take hold and spread to buildings and vehicles, posing a major risk to life and property.
“As we enter the time of year where we typically see warmer weather we would also expect to see an increase in the amount of woodland, grass and forest fires.
“Our crews work hard to provide education and advice about the risks and also respond when fires do break out.
“The public can help them to keep people safe by heeding our safety advice and sharing it with others.
“We’ll be working hand-in-hand with rural communities, businesses and landowners to establish fire plans that will focus on reducing the risk of fire and provide advice on what to do if an emergency does occur.
“There is lots of information available online now at www.firescotland.gov.uk and residents wanting further advice in relation to keeping their home safe from fire can contact us for a free home safety visit on 0800 0731 999, or text FIRE to 80800.
“You can also contact Fife Council environmental services on 03451 550011.”