AN APPEAL has been issued to fire-raising youths believed to be responsible for damage caused at Mill Glen earlier this month.

Fire crews were called out to the Tillicoultry beauty spot last Friday, April 2, following reports of a deliberate fire being set.

Police say they received reports that young people from the area have been involved.

The area has been subject to numerous community clean-up events and other improvement efforts over the years.

Jane Edwards, organiser of the Mill Glen Action Group, has called on the youths intent on causing damage to instead get involved with the group and the upkeep of the glen.

She said: "The MGAG usually meet once a month to help keep the paths and steps clear around the glen.

"We also maintain the gardens at the entrance to the Glen for wildlife and biodiversity.

"This involves all ages and abilities so we would like to reach out to the youths of the village and get them involved in the upkeep of the Glen for all the community."

Mark Bryce, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's local senior officer for Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife, has asked parents, guardians and carers to help make young people aware of the risks of deliberate fire setting.

He said: "We were called to assist our emergency service partners at 11.07am on Friday, April 2, to an area near Mill Glen, Tillicoultry.

"Operations Control mobilised one appliance.

"A fire in the open had already been extinguished and crews ensured the area was safe before they left the scene.

"Deliberate fires have the potential to cause injury and even death or cause devastating damage to our environment and properties.

"They are a needless drain on emergency service resources."

The incident comes just weeks after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service launched its annual Spring Safety campaign and highlighted figures showing deliberate fire-setting dropped by a third across Scotland last year.

Mark continued: "Our firefighters and community action teams have been and will continue to work extremely hard to engage with the public and promote safety messages.

"But as we cannot conduct school visits or engage with young people directly through clubs and groups at this time, I would ask parents, guardians, and carers to help by making sure that children and young people are aware of the risks and consequences of deliberate fire setting."

A Police Scotland spokesperson added: "Around 11am on Friday, April 2, police received a report of three youths setting fire to bracken and then putting out the fire with water near to Mill Glen, Tillicoultry.

"SFRS attended however there was nothing on fire at that time.
"Enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with information on deliberate fires can contact Police on 101 or via the Police Scotland website.

Anonymous reports can be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Visit firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/deliberate-fires.aspx for more information on the dangers of deliberate fire-setting.

Visit firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/deliberate-fires.aspx for more information on the dangers of deliberate fire setting.