Firefighters slam spate of deliberate blazes

A spate of deliberate fires in derelict buildings across Ayrshire have been branded a"needless drain on our resources" by firefighters.

- STEPHEN BARK

Over the last four weeks, firefighters from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have been called to seven deliberate fires across the region.

Abandoned schools in Auchinleck and Cumnock as well as a derelict factory in Darvel have all been targeted.

Police are investigating the incidents and have appealed for information regarding the fires.

East Ayrshire Council has stepped up security in response to the incidents and are working with police and fire services to bring "joint education visits" to schools to "raise awareness of the dangers involved around unauthorised access to unused buildings".

Ian McMeekin, local senior officer for Ayrshire, has warned that derelict or abandoned buildings can pose a number of hidden risks.

He said: "These types of incidents which we are seeing across Ayrshire are a needless drain on our resources.

"We know that derelict properties can attract people wanting to explore or commit anti-social behaviour.

"But these sites pose a number of risks to individuals including hidden voids in floors, unsafe structures and broken glass.