Coney Banks has been the target for arsonists

by Hayley Robinson

The number of grass and woodland fires being started deliberately is on the rise.
In the past two weeks Medway’s fire crews have attended 10 incidents in the Coney Banks (pictured) and Magpie Hall Road area. All of these grass and scrubland fires are believed to have been started deliberately by young people.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is warning that deliberate fires have the potential to get out of hand, causing serious injury or even death and are asking residents to be extra vigilant.
Since the beginning of September firefighters have attended 241 fires started deliberately across Kent compared to 146 last year.
Children and young people are believed to be responsible for half of all the deliberate fires which KFRS attends.
Stuart Skilton, head of community safety, said: “We usually expect an increase in deliberate fires during the school holidays, however such a dramatic rise in comparison to last year figures is seriously worrying."

For fire safety advice call the Community Fire Safety Team on 01622 698360.