Senior officer condemns “completely unacceptable” behaviour following seven deliberate fires in North Wales

A senior fire safety officer is asking people to think about the consequences of their actions after crews were called to seven deliberate fires overnight.

Firefighters from Holyhead were called to four incidents in the open in and around Llangefni, three of which were in the Dingle at between 5.56pm and 7.17pm.

They were also called to a grass fire at Pen Derwydd Llangefni shortly after.

Crews from Wrexham were called to Plas Madoc at 6.41pm to deal with a deliberately set rubbish fire.

Meanwhile, firefighters from Mold also went a rubbish fire on the A494 in Mold at 11.40pm and those from Caernarfon attended a deliberate grass fire in Talysarn at 3.50pm.

Tim Owen, Arson Reduction Manager said: “This behaviour is completely unacceptable. Three of these fires were set at The Dingle, Llangefni – an area which is closed to the public.

“The individuals setting the fires should not have even been in the area, let alone starting deliberate fires which put extra pressure on emergency services resources which are already stretched at this time. We need residents to help reduce demand on our firefighters.

“Deliberate fires place tremendous pressure on resources, with our crews committed for a considerable length of time trying to bring them under control – which prevents them from attending genuine emergencies.

“Actions like this do not help us keep our community safe.

“I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to parents to tell their children to stay home and impress upon them the message that deliberate fires endanger lives.

“Remember – setting fires is a criminal offence and we are actively working alongside North Wales Police to combat deliberate incidents.

“Anyone with information on such crimes is advised to anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or North Wales Police on 101.

“Please follow Government and Local Authority advice about social distancing – we are staying here for you, please stay home for us.”