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Police and Fire officers will work together to deliver talks to Key Stage 3 pupils in comprehensive schools all over Wales, targeting areas that have traditionally been affected by a high number of mountain and grass fires. During these talks, pupils will watch a specially commissioned DVD which shows the dangers and implications of deliberate fires. The officers will then leave an education pack with teachers to help them facilitate follow-up workshops.

Dr Gibbons said:

Mountain fires and grass arson are significant problems in parts of Wales, with over 7,000 deliberate fires each year.

These fires endanger the lives of firefighters, the public and place homes at risk. They are a blight on the countryside, where wildlife and their habitats are destroyed, not to mention the destruction of vegetation. These fires put a strain on resources and prevent firefighters from attending other genuine emergencies, such as house fires and road traffic incidents.

This initiative is a great example of partnership working between the Welsh Assembly Government, Fire and Rescue Services of Wales, Police Forces in Wales and Countryside Council for Wales. I want this education initiative to make young people think again before getting involved in grass arson.

The mountain fire and anti grass arson initiative is also being supported by Firebrake Wales, the fire safety charity, which is currently running a Bluetooth mobile marketing campaign in towns across Wales.

Setting fires is a criminal offence and witnesses or anyone with information on such crimes are advised to anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Related Links

http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/socialjustice/?lang=en

http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/housingandcommunity/safety/?lang=en

http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/housingandcommunity/safety/fire/?lang=en