Don’t risk lives, Cumbria fire chief tells youngsters

By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 15:15, Thursday, 07 March 2013

A fire chief has issued a stark warning to youngsters who are putting lives at risk.

Adrian Holme

Firefighters have been called out 15 times in just one week to put out grass and rubbish fires across west Cumbria, which they believe have been started by youths.

The worst-hit areas are Workington, Flimby, Maryport and Whitehaven.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Cumbria police are now working together in a bid to stop the fires which they say could divert resources from a serious incident elsewhere.

The fire service’s group manager, Adrian Holme, said that the arsonists were putting other people’s lives at risk. “This is a real concern with us,” said Mr Holme. “When fire crews are dealing with these, they are not dealing with other incidents.”

He added that the fires become increasingly popular during dry spells as youths set rubbish, grass, wooden fences and similar items alight.

He said a prime example of the problems caused by these anti-social fires was on Monday when a woman died in a house fire in Seaton.

Although crews were not delayed in attending the fire on Church Road which killed 76-year-old Marie Parker – they could have been if they were deployed elsewhere putting out an “antisocial behaviour” fire.

This has led to Mr Holme appealing directly to the youths as well as their parents to put a stop to the crimes.

“We are urging anybody who knows anything to contact police. Do parents know what their children are doing – if they are coming home smelling of smoke, contact police,” he said.

“It can take five minutes to put out these fires or five hours if it spreads, but they are dealt with fairly quickly.”

The areas of Workington where fires have been started include Mossbay, Northside and the Cloffocks.

On Tuesday night, firefighters put out four blazes between 6pm and 10pm at New Bridge Road and Adams Road in Workington and Westfield Terrace and the A596 at Flimby.

First published at 14:59, Thursday, 07 March 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk