Deliberate fires divert Scottish firefighters from emergencies says SFRS

Fire crews in Scotland tackled over 3,000 deliberate fires last summer

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has reported that more than 3,000 deliberate fires occurred across Scotland in the summer of 2024.

According to SFRS, 3,195 deliberate fires were recorded between June and August.

This equates to an average of over 30 fire-setting incidents every day.

The fires included grass, woodland, crop, refuse, residential, commercial and derelict buildings.

SFRS stated that although the number of incidents was lower than in previous years, each call diverts crews from other emergencies.

Summer fire activity lowest since 2020 but remains disruptive

The SFRS noted that the 2024 summer period recorded the fewest deliberate fires since 2020.

Despite this, the organisation highlighted ongoing challenges due to the frequency and spread of such incidents.

Assistant Chief Officer Jon Henderson, SFRS Director of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness, said: “If our crews are putting out more than 30 deliberate fires a day during summer then that’s time that could be spend elsewhere dealing with genuine emergencies.

“Deliberate fire-setting, whether it’s affecting a derelict building or woodland, is a crime and it can have a serious impact on local communities, as well as the potential for someone to get badly hurt or worse.

“We want those responsible to understand that getting involved in this type of behaviour can also impact negatively on your future.

“We’ll continue to take a zero-tolerance approach and will work with our police partners to identify those responsible.”

The fire service explained that deliberate fire-setting incidents are particularly disruptive in rural and high-risk areas.

It added that every call-out to this type of incident can delay response to house fires, road traffic collisions, or medical emergencies.

Police call fire-setting reckless and damaging to communities

Police Scotland has supported SFRS in highlighting the harm caused by deliberate fire-setting.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “Setting fires deliberately is reckless and irresponsible. It can endanger lives and result in significant damage to property.

“It also causes fear and alarm to those living in the local area and diverts valuable emergency service resources.

“We remain committed to working with our partners to reduce the number of these crimes taking place.

“We would urge anyone with information on fires being set in their community to contact police via 101, or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers through 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Police Scotland reported that they are working closely with fire crews to trace those responsible for fire-setting.

The service said it encourages members of the public to report any suspicious activity near property or open land.

Joint efforts between SFRS and Police Scotland to identify offenders

SFRS and Police Scotland said they are continuing to carry out joint patrols in areas with repeat incidents.

They noted that CCTV, witness accounts and forensic evidence are used in investigations.

The fire service confirmed that education campaigns are being run in schools and community groups to deter youth involvement in fire-setting.

Police Scotland added that some arrests had been made in connection with fire-starting cases during 2024, although no figures were released in the latest statement.

Both organisations stressed that prevention efforts were ongoing and would be maintained throughout the 2025 summer period.

Fire-setting includes both open land and buildings

The SFRS explained that the range of deliberate fire settings includes various environments, with no single category accounting for the majority.

Incidents were reported in grassland, urban streets, and commercial premises.

Fires in derelict buildings were described as a recurring risk, often posing danger to firefighters due to unstable structures.

The fire service also highlighted concerns over setting refuse alight in bins near homes, which can spread rapidly to occupied properties.

SFRS stated that many fires occur in remote areas, requiring extensive travel times and resource deployment.

Deliberate fires in Scotland impact emergency response: Summary

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported 3,195 deliberate fires during summer 2024.

This equates to an average of over 30 incidents per day across Scotland.

Incidents included fires in grassland, woodland, crops, buildings and refuse.

The 2024 figure represents the lowest summer total since 2020.

SFRS said these incidents divert crews from other emergency calls.

Assistant Chief Officer Jon Henderson stated that fire-setting poses serious risk to communities.

Police Scotland said the behaviour is reckless and damages property.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland urged the public to report suspicious activity.

Both organisations confirmed that joint investigations are ongoing.

Patrols and forensic investigations are being used to identify suspects.

Prevention campaigns are being delivered to young people in affected areas.