South Wales Fire And Rescue Service Sees Significant Decline In Deliberate Fires
Across the South Wales area, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has found that there has been significant reduction in the number of deliberately set fires over the last two weeks.
Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) had a total of 10 fires between the 20th and 27th January 2017, compared to less than half of that number occurring the following week (4).
Caerphilly also saw a significant drop in their deliberate fires, with 18 fires recorded in late January 2017, compared to only 5 the following week. Newport followed suit, with their deliberate fires seeing a decrease to 5 in the same fortnight. Bridgend saw a 50% reduction within the same period and Blaenau Gwent’s deliberate fires saw a 25% reduction in the same fortnight.
Group Manager Matthew Jones, Head of the Fire Crime Unit within South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said, “The hard work put in to engaging and educating our communities about arson means that we have seen a significant reduction in deliberate fires. The Fire Crime Unit’s close work with our Police colleagues, other partners and communities has helped us achieve this reduction.
“Deliberate fire setting has a devastating effect on our communities, placing lives at risk and costing millions of pounds per year, along with being an unnecessary drain on resources. We will continue to strive to overcome deliberate fire setting across our communities and ensure South Wales is a safe and vibrant place to live, work and visit.”
SWFRS works closely with its partners in the Police, local authorities and Crimestoppers to share messaging, which includes:
· How deliberate fire setting is considered a crime and you could be convicted of arson
· Deliberate fire setting has a negative impact on your community
· You are diverting South Wales Fire and Rescue Service away from potentially serious incidents such as a house fire or road traffic collision
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