Concern Grows After Spate Of Local Deliberate Fires

Each year we attend between 10,000 and 11,000 fires involving refuse and rubbish.

A massive 90% of these fires are due to deliberate fire-setting, the majority of which are due to reckless and irresponsible behaviour, often by children and young people. Make sure you are aware of where the children or young people you look after are, especially during lockdown – and what they’re doing. And that they are aware of the risks of playing with fire and the consequences of deliberately setting a fire.

Fire setting can result in injury, property damage and environmental pollution. In the spring and summer months, deliberately set grass or heathland fires can quickly spread out of control, putting people and property at risk.

You can also help prevent rubbish fires by following this advice:

Store your rubbish in a secure area if possible

Keep your garage and shed locked as well as your home

Keep all flammable liquids locked away

Report any build-up of rubbish to your Local Authority

Report any fly-tipping direct to your Local Authority or to https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/DumbDumpers

If you burn leaves and debris, consider alternatives like composting.

Before lighting any outdoor fire, check for any restrictions or if any permits are required.

Avoid lighting fires when high winds, high temperatures and low humidity are present or predicted

Never burn if the smoke and flames are blowing towards your home (or your neighbour’s home).

Remember not to:

Allow rubbish to block escape routes

Store rubbish by doors, windows or any other openings

Store bins or sacks up against your home as fire can quickly spread to buildings

Smoke in or around storage areas

Fly-tip materials or leave rubbish to build up outdoors

Contact 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.”