CAN YOU CONTROL IT?

There will be something unusual to look out for in the county’s parks this summer with firefighters hitting the tracks on mountain bikes. The initiative, which is called Can You Control It? - is aimed at preventing and reducing the number of deliberate fires that occur in parks over the warm summer months.

Two firefighters will be touring parks every day to engage young people in football skills whilst also highlighting the consequences of playing with fire. Traditionally there is an increase in deliberate grassland fires in parks during this time of year involving grass, trees and bushes, that are repeated over and over again in particular parks.

The sheer volume of these fires during these months can cause significant disruption for fire crews and divert resources away from real emergencies. In 2006 there were 333 deliberate grassland fires between June and August which amounts to 34.5% of all deliberate fires attended by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service throughout that period.

The purpose of the initiative is not only to deter potential fire setters but also to engage young people in positive activities in the parks.

Paul Dickens, Arson Task Force Manager explains:

‘The initiative is called Can You Control It? The challenge is, in the same way that controlling the ball requires self-discipline and yet brings about a great feel good factor, we hope to encourage young people to resist any anti-social firesetting temptation and control their behaviour for the good of themselves and their community.

We know that boredom and peer pressure are motives that lie behind many of these fires and by positively engaging the young people in healthy alternatives, we hope to benefit them whilst driving down the number of deliberate grassland fires this summer.’

The firefighters, easily recognisable on their red bikes, will be out and about during the summer holidays between 2pm and 8pm each day. Young people who participate will be given a free football to practise their skills with and the opportunity to enter a prize draw if they answer the questions on the ‘Control It’ quiz card.

The initiative is supported by Parks Services, Leicester City Council and Safer Leicestershire Partnership.

- ENDS -

Notes to News Desk

Photo and interview opportunities are available today at 14:00 at Southern Fire and Rescue Station, Meridian East, Leicester, LE19 1WZ. Please call on the telephone number below to arrange.

Contact Information

For more information please contact:

Paul Dickens, Arson Task Force Manager on 0116 229 2119

or

The Marketing and Publicity Department
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Tel 0116 287 2241

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