Over 400 deliberate fires in just 8 weeks

Over 400 deliberate fires in just 8 weeks lead to warning letters to potential perpetrators issued.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are continuously working in partnership with local police forces to reduce the number of deliberate fires being set across South Wales. Over the past eight weeks, our crews have attended over 420 deliberate grass and rubbish fires.

Repercussions have been put in place for anti-social behaviour to prevent those suspected of deliberately setting fires. A recent incident in Abergavenny saw Gwent Police posting strike letters to parents of six teens who were suspected to have been responsible for setting a fire close to Underhill Crescent.

A spokesperson from Gwent Police commented: “We received a report of fires being lit in a park close to Underhill Crescent, Abergavenny at around 3.10pm on Sunday 9 August. Officers attended the scene, along with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, to find that the fires had already been extinguished. A group of six teenagers, four boys and two girls aged between 14 and 16, admitted responsibility for the fires and their details were taken by an officer. Anti-social behaviour strike letters have been sent to their guardians and parents of the teenagers in relation to this incident.”

Part of the Fire Crime Team from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager Andy Spence said: “We are working tirelessly with our partners to drive down the number of arson related anti-social behaviour within our communities. Such fires are on the increase and are a drain on service which has the potential to reduce the availability of appliances to attend other emergencies. These small fires may seem innocuous in the early stages but can lead to much larger and more significant fires which can have tragic consequences.”

Deliberate fires are extremely dangerous and can spread extremely quickly putting lives in danger, causing significant damage to property and the environment including causing harm to wildlife. The fires also give off thick swathes of smoke which can increase the risk to the elderly and vulnerable people with medical conditions. Healthcare professionals have highlighted the dangers of smoke caused by grass fires to COVID-19 sufferers who may be living nearby.

We would urge anyone who has information on suspected deliberate fires, or who sees anything suspicious to contact 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you see a fire, or anyone starting a fire, please call 999 immediately.