22nd February 2010
West Dunbartonshire Council and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue (SFR) are getting serious in the battle against waste-related fires, with a new dedicated phone line and a squad of specially-trained employees to tackle the problem.
Local people can now report waste which they feel poses a fire risk by calling 0800 073 8706. Three new members of staff employed by the Council will then remove waste identified as a fire risk within two hours of it being reported.
As part of the project, which is funded by the Fairer Scotland Fund, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue will also be delivering a fire risk awareness programme in local schools to ensure that young people know about the devastating impact that fire can have on lives.
Councillor Jim McElhill, the Council’s spokesperson for Environmental Services and Economic Development, said: “I am sad to say that West Dunbartonshire currently has the highest number of waste or bin related fires of the 12 Council areas for which Strathclyde Fire and Rescue has responsibility. However, the Council and SFR are determined to change this statistic, and therefore I am really pleased that we were awarded funding to implement this project.
“An example of the kind of bulky waste that might pose a fire risk to property would be a sofa or mattress - or anything flammable that could be readily set alight – that is dumped in a stairwell or communal area of a block of flats, or left lying outside close to a property. If you see anything like this, I would urge you to call our new dedicated number.”
Ally Boyle, Area Commander for Strathclyde Fire and Rescue’s East and West Dunbartonshire Area, added: “This project is a perfect example of how organisations can get together to assist in dealing with issues that affect the safety of the Citizens of West Dunbartonshire. These fires can be extremely dangerous to both local residents and our fire-fighters, and both West Dunbartonshire Council and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue are fully committed to ensuring that residents and fire-fighters are not put at risk due to these criminal acts. On many occasions we see refuse fires very quickly spread to buildings and creating huge amounts of poisonous smoke, often it is only the skilled intervention of our fire-fighters that prevents significant damage to properties or indeed loss of life. I am convinced that with the support of the public of West Dunbartonshire we will see a reduction in this type of call.”
The project will run until March 2011 and will be followed by an assessment to measure the impact it has had on reducing fires and creating a safer environment for the residents of West Dunbartonshire.
