Appeal to report deliberate firestarters following bonfire night incidents – 7 arson attacks in 6 hours in Wrexham

Seven deliberate fires were started in six hours in Wrexham last night – including one incident were a group of youths threatened to throw fireworks at firefighters.

Across the region North Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called to nine deliberate fires during the six hour period, with all but two taking place in Wrexham.

At 6:47pm emergency services were called to Forge Road, Southsea following reports of a bin fire – with NWP Wrexham Rural last night tweeting to say that a group of youths had been stealing residents’ bins and filling them with fireworks.

Less than 10 minutes later crews were called to Caia Park following reports of rubbish in a field being set alight.

At 8:23pm firefighters were called to a second incident on Forge Road, Southsea, with a further two wheelie bins set on fire. A similar call out took place on the same road at 8:52pm.

A car was also destroyed in the Rhosnesni Lane area after being set alight at 8:40pm.

One of the fires also involved a derelict farmhouse in Rossett, which tied up firefighters overnight and into this morning

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police calling on members of the community to support their work and report deliberate fire starters.

Officers are also condemning the anti social behaviour of a group of youths in the Wrexham area who behaved in a threatening manner towards firefighters attending some incidents – whilst attending reports of fire in the Southsea area, firefighters were subjected to abuse and threatened with fireworks.

Tim Owen, arson reduction manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Unfortunately this group was a very small minority of people – the support of our communities in the work that we do is immense and I would like to thank everyone who has helped us and supported the Be a Nice Guy (BANG) campaign to drive down instances of deliberate fire starting and anti social behaviour during the bonfire and Halloween season.

“However, this type of antisocial behaviour is completely unacceptable – we will not tolerate abuse or attacks directed towards our staff members. Our firefighters are working to protect our communities and should not be subject to abuse of any nature whilst doing that.

“Deliberate incidents such as these put extra pressure on fire and rescue resources – whilst crews are busy dealing with these incidents, there could be a real need for the resources to attend a life threatening situation elsewhere in the county.

“Deliberate fires are a serious crime and in conjunction with North Wales Police we will pursue convictions.”

Wrexham Rural Inspector Steve Owens added; “The build up to bonfire night went well with few reports of anti-social behaviour.

“This is in part was down to the cooperation of the community and the various agencies working together.

“Unfortunately last night a small group of young people caused a disproportionate amount of demand and damage, which is unacceptable.

“We have the names of suspects and are linking in with agencies and the council’s housing department to identify those responsible and take appropriate action.”

Anyone with information relating to deliberate fires is asked to contact officers at North Wales Police. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.