William Graham (Conservative AM for South Wales East) responding to the news that in the 53 days from 1 March to 22 April 2010, firefighters have tackled 738 grass fires throughout Gwent.
“Two disturbing facts arise from these statistics. The majority of these fires were started deliberately and by young people under the age of 18.”
“These fires not only place the arsonist at risk, they also endanger the lives of our firefighters. It is reported that some grass fires have required up to 40 firefighters to contain them; also endangering the lives of those people who may require emergency fire service attendance during the time taken to tackle these grass fires”.
“In the period specified there were a total of 738 fires; this is an average of 13.9 fires everyday, at a cost to the taxpayer of £1,142 an hour”.
“It is vital that we make young people fully aware of all the dangers, to themselves, the firefighters, members of their community, the environment and wild life; in addition to the financial cost to taxpayers arising from these acts of arson”.
“I believe that we should consider all options to tackle deliberately started grass fires, including the action suggested by the South Wales Argus, that parents should be aware of where their children are and be responsible for their actions”.
