FIRE chiefs have launched a campaign in a bid to keep people safe during what would have been the school summer holidays.

The new initiative, dubbed #SaferSummer2020, highlights the dangers caused by the likes of grass fires and arson attacks that involve setting wheelie bins alight.

Crews from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) responded to 1,700 deliberate secondary fires last summer.

Now, as coronavirus lockdown restrictions are eased, SFRS Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Alasdair Perry is urging local residents to avoid putting others at risk of harm.

He said: “During the summer we tend to see a rise in fire-setting, often by children and young people.

“These include refuse and wheelie bin fires, fires in stairwells or derelict buildings, as well as grass and countryside fires made worse by hot and dry conditions.

“We want everyone to enjoy a safer summer and I would urge parents and carers to discuss the dangers of fire-setting with young people in their lives to ensure they are kept safe. Be aware of where young people are going and what they’re doing.”

For more information, visit: www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/safer-summer.aspx.

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

******************

Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We're not exaggerating when we say the future of local newspapers and the vital service we have provided for many years is under threat.

Please consider supporting The Gazette in whatever way you can - by paying just 90p for a copy of the newspaper when you're shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others or by subscribing to our e-edition here.