Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 13/05/2005 22:00

Cornwall County Fire Brigade would like to remind the public that arson is treated as a very serious offence and can be life threatening.

Last night firefighters were called to three arson attacks in the Launceston area; a fire involving construction materials and a JCB at Kensey Vale Meats, Dutson Road, a rubbish fire at Polson Road and a car fire at Bush Park, Launceston.

When the firefighters were tackling these fires it meant that the fire cover for other parts of the community was compromised. There was also a large cost to the fire brigade.

“The public can help us to stop these incidents. If they see an abandoned vehicle they should report it to their local council who are responsible for its removal. Dealing with waste and rubbish properly can also deter offenders. Make sure rubbish waiting for disposal doesn’t accumulate outside your home and is kept in a safe place which isn’t accessible to the public” said Station Officer Dave Keelan of the Arson Task Force.

Businesses should ensure that packaging, waste and rubbish is moved regularly to a safe storage place. The safest type of storage is metal bins with closed lids, kept away from the main building preferably in their own compartment or compound.
Station Officer Dave Keelan added: “Arson is a very serious and potentially life threatening offence and the courts take the matter very seriously. The Arson Task Force has a wealth of fire investigation knowledge and investigates all suspicious fires. The Police and the courts deal with people suspected of arson in a very serious manner. I hope this acts as a deterrent to anyone else considering this type of criminal activity”

Local firefighters will be distributing arson prevention advice in the Launceston area. If anyone has information on any of these arson attacks or sees anyone acting suspiciously in their area they should call the Crimestoppers number free on 0800 555 111.