Arson is the largest single cause of major fires in the UK and is a serious criminal offence. Arson can potentially endanger lives, as fires that are started deliberately can often escalate quickly, destroying property and disrupting communities.
Incidents following arson-related activities can put immense pressure on the resources of Fire and Rescue Services and other emergency services, as well as divert resources from other emergencies, potentially delaying response times for genuine accidents elsewhere. They also pose a real danger to the safety and lives of Firefighters due to their unpredictability.
MAWWFRS has recently been exceptionally busy in responding to large scale wildfires, with a number of these incidents started deliberately. Wildfires can have devastating and long-lasting effects on the environment, releasing chemicals into the atmosphere, destroying habitats and killing wildlife.
These incidents can often require a round-the-clock response, involving continuous monitoring and coordinated action to prevent and suppress fires, day and night.
Preventing and tackling arson is a key priority for MAWWFRS. Not only does this involve rapid response to incidents and subsequent fire investigations, but also close collaboration with the Police, Local Authorities, communities and several other partner agencies to identify risks and educate the public.
MAWWFRS’s Head of Arson Reduction, Station Manager Scott O’Kelly, said:
“We are committed to working with the communities we serve and our Wales Wildfire Board partner agencies to raise awareness and reduce incidents of fires that are started deliberately.
“Unfortunately, MAWWFRS has recently responded to a series of arson-related incidents, which range from wildfires to fires within derelict properties.
“We are continuing to work with residents and partners within the communities we serve to raise awareness of the consequences of arson and limit the devastating impact of deliberate fires.”
Inspector Jared Easton of South Wales Police said:
“Setting fires is dangerous and against the law. Four young boys have been arrested for separate arson in the Port Talbot area in the last three weeks.
“We will not tolerate this behaviour and will deal robustly with people committing these offences.”
[Lead image: South Wales Police and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service]
