A soaring number of deliberate fires in Edinburgh
The number of fires started deliberately in Edinburgh soared by 43% last year, prompting a warning from the city's senior fire officer.
The number of fires started deliberately in Edinburgh soared by 43% last year, prompting a warning from the city's senior fire officer.
Kenny Rogers also fears another increase is expected, with the weather improving and the schools off for the Easter holidays.
He said, "Such incidents place an unnecessary burden on fire service resources, in what is already a busy time of year for firefighters.
"As well as potentially delaying attendance at a more serious incident, fire setting can result in injury, property damage and environmental pollution.
Mr Rogers continued: "We would urge parents to ensure that their children know about and understand the potentially tragic consequences deliberate fires can have.
He has also raised concern about bin bags and wheelie bins being left in the street for long periods, providing a tempting target for people looking to start a fire.
While the number of deliberate fires is rising there has been a reduction in fire-related casaulties in the city, from 109 in 2014 to 88 during 2015.
The fire service has also issued six ways people can 'join Scotland's fight against fire'.
- Being aware of strangers loitering in your street – if they do so for some time, inform Police Scotland on the non-emergency number 101. 2. Contacting Police Scotland via the non-emergency number 101 to share information on anyone who deliberately sets fires. Alternatively, give the information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 3. Reporting any build-up of rubbish to your local authority or community fire station. This will help ensure it can be removed and prevent fires. 4. Ensuring you are aware of where the children or young people you look after are – and what they’re doing. 5. Making sure that children and young people are aware of the risks of playing with fire and the consequences of deliberately setting a fire. 6. Reporting any fly-tipping directly to your local authority or to the National Dumb Dumpers Stop line on 0845 230 40 90.