Firesetting

Firesetting Is An Offence.  Don't Accept It - Report It!

Strathclyde Fire & Rescue officers are warning that deliberate firesetters pose a potential risk to us all.  During May alone, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue attended over 1,200 deliberate fires, at an estimated cost to the community in excess of £2M.  Hot, dry weather traditionally means a peak for deliberate fire setting, including fires set in bins, skips, fly tipped waste, derelict buildings, dry grass and heath land. 

As well as potentially delaying attendance at a more serious incident, fire setting can result in injury, property damage and environmental pollution. At this time of year, grass or heath land fires can quickly spread out of control, putting people and property at risk. 

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, Director of Community Safety, said, "The fact is that fire setting is an offence.  Our message to the community is simple: don't accept it, report it.  Anyone with information regarding fire setters can contact Strathclyde Police, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

SFR are working with a number of partners including Neighbourhood Wardens, Environmental Teams, Housing officials and Police to reduce risks such as fly tipping, overflowing refuse skips and bins.  The public are also being asked to assist by reporting fly tipping or accumulations of refuse/rubbish direct to their Local Authority or to the National Dumb Dumpers Stop line on 0845 230 40 90.