A task force launched to combat a dramatic rise in fire-raising across the north-east has helped reduce the number of deliberate blazes to a five-year low.
The multi-agency initiative, which began in October, was set up after figures for Aberdeenshire revealed the number of willful fires had risen by almost a third in the previous year, to hit an average of more than five a month.
Now a new report shows the number of deliberate fires in the Banff and Buchan area fell from 76 to 40 – a reduction of almost 50% – since the scheme was launched.
The campaign has proved so successful, it is likely to be extended to other areas.
In a written review which will go before area councillors next week, fire service station manager for Banff and Buchan, Bruce Milne, said: “The initiative involved a radio campaign, increased patrols around identified problem areas, a poster campaign and increased engagement with local youths.
“The result of the campaign was a 47% reduction in deliberate fires within the area.”
The report goes on to detail the early summer period, between April and June, which shows there was 19 cases of deliberate fires in the Banff, Troup and Fraserburgh areas.
Mr Bruce said: “We will continue working towards reducing these types of incidents by working with partners in Police Scotland, community safety groups and antisocial behaviour groups as well as developing a programme of school visits within the area to highlight the risks and consequences of deliberate fires.”
In April, more than 30 firefighters tackled a massive blaze at a net store Macduff’s Mill Street. The fire destroyed about £200,000 worth of fishing gear and sent plumes of thick, black smoke into the air.
Days later, a second suspicious blaze left a derelict house at nearby Braeheads extensively damaged. Almost 50 firefighters took three hours to bring it under control.
Mr Bruce’s report also notes the one and only fatal fire in the area during the period. Pensioner Joan Rennie died when her Crovie cottage went up in flames on the evening of Tuesday, May 6.
Mr Bruce said, in an effort to reduce fatal incidents, the service would work with partners to identify the most vulnerable members of the community and visit their homes to give some safety advice.
The performance report will go before members of the Banff and Buchan area committee for discussion on Tuesday.