CLACKS' fire chief has vowed to clamp down on deliberate fire raising after an increase in the number of incidents reported over the past year.

There were 100 instances of deliberate fires in Clackmannanshire between April 2017 and March 2018 – 25 more than the previous year's figures.

In that time there has been a number of notable incidents of fire raising, such as a nursery in Tullibody targeted by a young girl and the outdoor play equipment being destroyed.

Indeed, only last week police appeal to the public for information after two cars were set on fire in Tillicoultry.

But in response to the figures, Roddie Keith, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's (SFRS) senior officer for the area, has vowed to reverse the trend.

He said: “Our firefighters will always be primed to respond to reports of fire, but those who set deliberate fires need to be aware their actions can have devastating consequences.

“Deliberately setting a fire can pull crews away from other incidents and can put firefighters and members of the public at risk.

“Setting a fire is an entirely unnecessary act.

“That is why we are so keen to work with our communities to drive home the message that setting a fire is not funny or clever, it’s dangerous and needless.

"Education will always play a key role in our efforts. Indeed getting the message across that this is not acceptable is crucial in working towards reducing this type of behaviour.”

The figures were laid bare as part of a report to go before the council’s Regulatory Committee on Thursday, November 22.

On a positive note, the report shows that accidental dwelling fires fell by almost one third in the same period - with just 46 instances recorded.

Roddie said: “It’s always pleasing to note such a reduction, but we can’t be complacent.

“Our firefighters have been working hard to help people remain safe in their homes.

“Their community-driven efforts have seen 564 free home fire safety visits carried out at homes across Clackmannanshire.

“These visits are the very cornerstone of the SFRS's preventative effort - as they can help reduce casualty numbers by ensuring the presence of a working smoke detector and a dedicated fire safety plan.

“I’d urge people from every background to get in touch with us directly to organise for a visit to their home.”

To arrange a free home fire safety visit, go to the Fire Scotland website on: firescotland.gov.uk.