Fire setting is a significant social problem and substantial economic cost to communities across Scotland. It is a particular problem within high density housing areas and deprived areas. Evidence clearly indicates that the bulk of non-accidental fires are as a result of unplanned and opportunistic fire vandalism or nuisance firesetting by young persons as opposed to criminal activity, fraud or monetary gain.

Fire related antisocial behaviour disproportionately effects the most vulnerable groups and socially deprived areas where opportunistic fire setting and fire related antisocial behaviour accounts for almost two thirds of all emergency fire responses.

Many successful intervention initiatives simply involve securing and monitoring derelict buildings, improvements to existing refuse/unwanted items uplift schemes for householders and fly tipping clean up and enforcement campaigns.

Strathclyde Fire & Rescue is now working more pro actively with Community Safety Partnerships, Police, Antisocial Behaviour Officers and Community Wardens to reduce the effects of nuisance fire setting and fire vandalism. This work and the necessary close collaboration with Police and other key stakeholders requires to be planned, managed and controlled in order to ensure that all our efforts are directed to those areas in which we can make a positive impact.