Arson warning for summer holidays

FIREFIGHTERS dealt with 245 grass and refuse fires in Warwickshire last summer, whilst this sounds a lot, it is in line with expectations for this time of year.

Most of these were deliberate and reckless, putting lives at risk by diverting vital resources when genuine emergencies could be happening elsewhere. In light of this and with the summer school holidays now well on their way, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service are reminding children and parents that arson is not a game!

Talking about the issue, Arson Reduction Officer for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Rebecca Roberts said:

“Deliberate fires, in particular at areas of grassland and refuse, waste our time and resources and have the potential to delay us from reaching real emergencies where every single minute counts.

“It absolutely goes without saying that we prefer to prevent fires, not fight them, which is why we run a number of prevention programmes at schools across the county talking to young people about the dangers and legal consequences of fire setting.”

Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Fire Safety, John Horner said: “Arson is a real issue and one which can endanger lives. With this in mind we are encouraging parents and carers to talk to their children about the dangers and consequences of playing with fire, especially over the holiday period.”