Firefighters in Ayrshire raise concerns over deliberate fires in derelict buildings
Firefighters in Ayrshire have raised concerns following a number of fires in derelict buildings across the region.
During a four-week period, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) attended seven fires within derelict buildings. These were former school buildings in Auchinleck and Cumnock, as well as a former factory in Darvel.
The SFRS is warning of the potential risks of this kind of behaviour.
Ian McMeekin is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's Local Senior Officer for Ayrshire.
He said: "These types of incidents which we are seeing across Ayrshire are a needless drain on our resources.
"We know that derelict properties can attract people wanting to explore or commit anti-social behaviour.
"But these sites pose a number of risks to individuals including hidden voids in floors, unsafe structures and broken glass.
"There's a genuine danger to people's health when they enter these structures. These are buildings which can have lain derelict for years.
"There is simply no way of knowing what you could encounter when entering a derelict property and I would urge everyone to be mindful of the dangers presented.
“Deliberate fire-setting is a crime and can cost lives. That's the reality which people need to be aware of before starting fires.
“Whilst not all incidents are a result of anti-social behaviour, our staff work extremely hard to engage with the public to prevent these types of incidents.
"Through our proactive prevention work, we reach out to young people to warn them about the dangers of fire-raising. This includes school visits, charity activities, and educational programmes.
"We would always ask young people not to engage in any activities that endanger themselves or others, damage property or impact the availability of firefighters to attend emergencies.
“We will keep working with our partners to prevent these unwanted incidents. We also ask everyone in our community to support us in this effort.”
Chief Inspector Scott McCurdy, Area Commander for East Ayrshire, said: “Alongside our SFRS colleagues, officers have responded to numerous fires at derelict properties across the region in recent weeks.
“Enquiries would indicate that youngsters are accessing these buildings and setting fires, not only putting themselves but others at risk and keeping the emergency services away from real emergencies.
“We ask parents and guardians to support our efforts by educating their children on the risks and impact such antisocial behaviour can have. Anyone with information on fire-raising incidents should also report this by calling police on 101.”
Councillor Jim McMahon, East Ayrshire Council's Spokesperson for Housing, Transport and Communities said: "There is currently an ongoing challenge of persistent vandalism and criminal activity at sites within East Ayrshire, particularly the former Auchinleck Academy, that the Council continues to take daily action to mitigate and prevent, including the deployment of additional security, before the building is demolished over the summer.
"Joint education visits to local schools are arranged with Police and Fire colleagues, and Vibrant Communities link with local youth groups to continue to raise awareness of the dangers involved around unauthorised access to unused buildings.
"It is important that no-one enters an empty building. They are dangerous and unsafe. We would continue to ask for the community’s assistance and if you spot anything unusual, please call 01563 555525 during working hours or 0345 724 0000 out of hours to report anything you’ve seen."
ENDS
Notes to editor:
Anyone with information on deliberate fires can contact Police on 101 or the Police Scotland website.
Anonymous reports can be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please also see advice on SFRS website: Reducing deliberate fires | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
For guidance - Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended fires at:
- Former Auchinleck Academy – March 31, April 9, 15 and 21
- Former Greenmill Primary School, Cumnock – April 17 and 18
- Former factory, Green Street, Darvel – Sunday, May 4