‘Things can easily get out of hand’ – plea to parents over deliberate fires

Firefighters have issued a desperate plea over deliberate fires after an increase in antisocial behaviour
By Ryan Smith
Published 19th Jul 2020, 16:26 BST
Updated 19th Jul 2020, 16:27 BST
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Parents are being encouraged by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) to talk to their children about the risk of starting deliberate fires – warning that “things can easily get out of hand”.

The warning comes following an increase of antisocial behaviour in public areas, such as parks, across the North East.

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Richie Rickaby, the Area Manager for Community Safety at TWFRS, has explained that people who deliberately start fires are taking resources away from other emergencies.

Parents are being urged to educate their children on the risk of starting deliberate fires.Parents are being urged to educate their children on the risk of starting deliberate fires.
Parents are being urged to educate their children on the risk of starting deliberate fires.
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He said: “Setting fires might seem like harmless fun but things can easily get out of hand. This kind of antisocial behaviour is not only reckless but frankly dangerous too.

“Deliberate fires present huge risks to not only the perpetrators, cause damage to local properties and the environment, as well as presenting a challenge to our firefighters.

“If we are attending deliberate fires, it means we are unavailable to attend other fires or emergencies."

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Mr Rickaby also urged parents to educate their children on the impact that these fires could have on their lives.

He added: “Parents can’t always know where there children are, but they can talk to them about the risks – risks that could leave them scarred for life or end up with a criminal record.

“We would encourage anyone who has any information about deliberate fires in your area, to please contact Firestoppers anonymously on 0800 169 5558 or firestoppersreport.co.uk.”

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