We have been asked by the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to share the following information:

Rise in Antisocial Behaviour related fires

Over the last few weeks, we have seen a significant rise in antisocial behaviour related fires in our local area.

We are reaching out to you to provide some support and information to your students/staff/parents, carers and guardians to help us create a safer community for all of us.

The fires we have attended are mainly loose refuse, waste and wheelie bin fires and attending these fires means we are not able to attend incidents that are more serious.

We are working with local businesses to ensure that their refuse is inaccessible by the public but we also wanted to speak to yourselves to help spread the message to parent, carers and guardians.

If you use parent mail or other contact apps to stay in touch with parents/carers/guardians, we would be grateful if you could pass on the following ASB related messages via those platforms

“Recently there has been a rise in the number of antisocial behaviour related fires in our area.

“Working alongside Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police, we are asking you to speak to your child/ren and make them aware of the consequences of their actions.

“Antisocial Behaviour related fires can be a significant drain on a firefighter’s time, they can’t be in two places at once.

“If they’re putting out a grassfire, they can’t respond to people who may really need their help. For example, in house fires or road accidents”

“Firefighters respond to incidents in order to prevent injury and save life, as well as protecting the environment. Physical and verbal attacks on fire crews will not be tolerated and puts theirs and other people’s lives at risk”

“If you have information about deliberate fires you can report it anonymously via www.firestoppersreport.co.uk or call 0800 169 5558”

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for your continued support. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.