Rise in deliberate fires sets alarm bells ringing in Ross and Cromarty

THE disturbing rise in the number of deliberate fires set in the Ross and Cromarty area has continued for a second year running.

Figures revealed in a performance report by the Scottish Fires and Rescue Service to Highland Council’s Ross and Cromarty committee show that from April to September there were 43 separate incidents of people deliberately setting fires –compared to 37 for the same period last year.

Both tallies exceed the 12-month totals for the years between 2014/15 and 2016/17 when the average number was marginally over 30 representing a 40 per cent increase.

Of the fires, the majority– a total of 28 – were wildfires that had the potential to endanger homes and property due to the very dry and hot conditions earlier in the year.

Six involved buildings, three involved cars and others involved refuse of one kind or another.

The worst areas were within the council’s the Cromarty Firth ward which saw 19 fires deliberately started followed by Dingwall and Seaforth where 17 were lit – a further six were set in Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh.

Now the fire service has been working with a “number of key partner agencies to tackle the spike in wilful fire-raising” especially within the Cromarty Firth ward.

So far “intervention occurred in Culbokie following a number of incidents” and “one individual was identified and given additional support in conjunction with our partner agencies.”

“Ongoing activity to address broader anti-social behaviour issues is continuing.”

Dingwall and Seaforth ward councillor Margaret Paterson said: “It’s a huge concern because we are all aware of the tragedies that can happen when fires are deliberately started.

“I cannot understand the mindset of such people.”

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