South Wales ,UK - Sharp increase in the number of deliberately-lit fires in Wales, report reveals

Huge numbers of grass fires last April may have contributed to the total number of deliberate fires jumping by nearly 60% in a year to the highest number for five years.

• 28 FEB 2016
• BY MILLIE THWAITES

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are now implementing new educational programs in primary schools

The total number of deliberately-lit fires in Wales jumped by nearly 60% last year, a report from the Welsh Government has revealed.

It is thought the huge number of grass fires in April 2015 may have contributed to this dramatic increase.

There were 2,826 deliberately-lit secondary fires between April and June 2015, making it the highest number in five years, since 3,704 in 2011.

70-80% of overall fires were deliberate

The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended more than 7,000 fires between April and September, an increase of 5%.

Read more: More than 40 firefighters tackling blaze at factory on Hirwaun Industrial Estate

Andrew James

Fire crews put out a grass fire in Abercynon

Head of community safety and partnerships at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Garry Davies, said 70-80% of attended fires each year were deliberate.

“These deliberately-lit fires are an issue because they’re avoidable events,” he said.

“We can’t continue at this rate because the cost and impact to society is too much.”

Seven fire deaths

There were seven fire deaths in Wales between April and September last year, 140 injuries and a further 150 people received first aid.

Read more: 'There was literally no roof left' Busy Cardiff street cordoned off after large fire sweeps through shisha cafe

Andrew James

Fire crews put out a grass fire in Tylorstown

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have outlined their strategy moving forward this year, and it is targeted primarily at primary school-aged children.

Station manager of the South Wales Fire and Crime Unit Mark Williams said they are trying a new strategy this year.

“In the past, we’ve done education with children of various ages but we’ve realised that’s maybe not working,” he said.

“This year, we’re targeting children of 10 and 11 years of age in the Rhondda Cynon Taffarea with our primary school road show.

“We also have children coming to the station. It’s all about interacting with the firefighters and seeing the faces of people who are directly affected.”

see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/sharp-increase-number-deliberately-lit-10961749