Fire chiefs have confirmed that almost 200 incidents of deliberate fireraising were recorded across the region between March and April.
The latest figures from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported a total of 196 callouts for deliberate blazes in Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife in that two-month period.
It represents a 19 per cent decrease on the same figures last year, when 243 incidents required SFRS support.
In total, firefighters across Scotland were called out to 2,491 deliberate fires over March and April - compared to 3,658 incidents in 2019.
The data has been revealed as SFRS launches its annual ‘spring safety’ campaign.
Area Commander Mark Bryce, Local Senior Officer for Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife, said: “While any reduction in the number of deliberate fires is welcomed, we simply cannot be complacent.
“Deliberate fires have the potential to cause injury and even death or cause devastating damage to our environment and properties.
“One deliberate fire is one too many – they are a needless drain on emergency service resources at a difficult
time.”
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has also been highlighted by SFRS as having coincided with the reduction in the number of callouts due to lockdown restrictions.
The latest findings follow a reported increase in the number of deliberate blazes set off in Stirling between April and September last year.
A recent meeting of the council’s public safety committee was told 25 such callouts were reported in that six-month period in 2019, while the volume of deliberate secondary fires also rose to 65 - with 18 of these being refuse fires.
LSO Bryce admitted the challenges presented by coronavirus would force a change in how fire safety teams would promote their messages this year, but emphasised the consequences of setting blazes intentionally.
He added: “Last year we saw restrictions put in place on social movement, and this year is no different as we continue to tackle this pandemic.
“As well as limits on how far people can travel, we also know that schools, clubs and community groups are affected or unable to open due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“Our firefighters and community action teams have been and will continue to work extremely hard to engage with the public
and promote safety
messages.
“But as we cannot conduct school visits or engage with young people directly through clubs and groups, I would ask parents, guardians and carers to help by making sure that children and young people are aware of the risks and consequences of deliberate fire setting.
“It is vital we continue to remind people that deliberate fire setting is a crime and a criminal record can affect future life and job opportunities – a price that can be easily avoided.”
