Fire officers are urging parents to educate young people after a rise in outdoor fires.
Outdoor fires nearly doubled across Falkirk and West Lothian last summer. With 145 avoidable fires in the open recorded in the region, up from 74 the previous year.
The figures released by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Highlight activity during a nine week period between late June and late August.
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According to the Daily Record, fires in the open are often set deliberately or are caused by negligence or complacency. These fires can cause huge damage to vast areas of landscape and wildlife, with the potential to burn for days.
Quinn, SFRS local senior officer for Falkirk and West Lothian, said: “We need people to be aware of how quickly things can get out of hand.
“Outdoor fires can spread very quickly and can cause huge damage – both to areas of countryside and indeed can spread quickly within tents and caravans.
“We understand that people will, of course, want to take to the countryside and holiday in Scotland this year. But please be careful and bear in mind that human behaviour can drive the risk of fire down significantly.
“First and foremost, before lighting any outdoor fires, check for any restrictions or permissions required by the landowner and make sure you use a fire safe pit or container that can be properly extinguished before you leave.”
What is also rising in the area is deliberately setting fires, with 236 incidents recorded- the highest level in three years. These fires are largely outdoor incidents which impact grasslands but they also included building and vehicle fires.
LSO Quinn has urged everyone to play their part in reducing the risk of fire – particularly parents and carers.
He said: “We are proud of our educational and prevention work, but it is true that parents, carers, and members of the public can all help us here by engaging with young people and laying bear the costs and consequences of starting a fire.
“When a young person deliberately starts a fire, they are risking their safety, their future, and the welfare of others. Firefighters are also being dragged away from genuine emergencies.
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