Every time South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is called out to a grass or mountain fire, not only does it cost the taxpayer thousands of pounds, but it also means that Firefighters could be diverted from attending a real emergency - someone trapped in a house fire or a crashed car.
During the Easter holidays Firefighters attended approximately 127 grass fires in the Rhondda Cynon Taff area, compared with 66 in 2008 Easter holidays.
During the summer, a special Fire Crime Unit will be working in Rhondda Cynon Taff with the aim of achieving a ‘Firefree RCT’, through patrolling known hotspots for any suspicious behaviour, arranging competitions and sports tournaments for local youngsters and other engagement and diversionary activities.
In the lead up to, and during the summer holidays the team have plans to take a mobile game station to Pontypridd, Tonypandy and Aberdare town centres. Youngsters can take part in a games console challenge with the Fire and Rescue Service team. The team are also planning a football and rugby tournament in the summer for youngsters to take part in.
Anyone with information about people involved in setting deliberate fires should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.