Cause For Concern As SWFRS Sees An Increase In Deliberate Fires

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) is urging people to remain wary over the next coming weeks after a number of deliberate fires have been set in Blaenau Gwent, Newport and Cardiff. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

In the past week, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has been called out to attend 45 deliberate fire incidents which have put both business and residential properties at risk. These fires have been caused by individuals setting refuse (or rubbish bags), grass and vehicles alight. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Matthew Jones, Head of Fire Crime for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service commented, “Deliberate fire setting has a devastating effects on our communities. Arson is not a victimless crime and is a criminal offence. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Fire Crime Unit are working with Gwent Police and South Wales Police to tackle the issue of deliberate fires as well as other partners such as Crimestoppers Wales. Arson across Wales cost our communities millions of pounds in damage every year. We remind members of the public they can pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers Wales around persons committing arson.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

No one has been harmed in connection with these deliberate fires. However, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service urges its communities to stay cautious and report any suspicious behaviour to the Police or Crimestoppers Wales on 0800 555111 so that the necessary investigations can be undertaken to reduce this anti-social and dangerous behaviour can be reduced in the future. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​