Prisoners 'use vapes to start dozens of fires' at HMP Berwyn

FIRE AUTHORITY TOLD INCIDENTS HAVE SOARED OVER PAST YEAR

- By DALE SPRIDGEON Local Democracy Reporter

PRISONERS at HMP Berwyn are using vapes to start fires at the jail, according to a report.

The Wrexham prison has seen a 74.1% increase in deliberate fires at the Category C men's prison in the 2024/25 financial year compared with the previous year.

A report presented to the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority during a meeting on Monday, July 21 said a total of 63 "primary" fires were started deliberately, and of those, 47 had been attended by the fire service.

It said the incidents were "predominately vape based" and said incidents at HMP Berwyn "continue to rise".