Call for arsonists to stop setting fires in Craigavon

Fire appliances from Lurgan and Portadown have had to deal with a multitude of blazes causing significant damage to plants and trees.

Sinn Fein Cllr Catherine Nelson warned someone could lose their lives if the NIFRS are unable to attend a serious house fire as they are out dealing with deliberate grass fires.

She said: “This is a huge drain on the resources of our fire and rescue service who could be needed elsewhere to save lives.

“I have today asked our community safety wardens to place a particular focus on the area around Mandeville Manor where some are gathering to set fire to the grass.

“This is of grave concern as residents nearby report the fires close to oil tanks.

“In the coming days we will engage detached youth, NIFRS and community police in the hope that a multi agency approach can help address the issue.

“In the meantime I would ask those involved to think about how this behaviour could result in a serious house fire or loss of life and to cease immediately.”

On Wednesday July 14 at 5.02pm firefighters were called to Lakeview road, Craigavon with one appliance from Lurgan attending.

A spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to reports of an area of grass on fire. They used one hose reel and three beaters jet to extinguish the fire and the incident was dealt with by 5.24pm.

“The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition.”

On Thursday July 15 at 3.09pm firefighters from Lurgan were called to Highfield road, Craigavon.

A spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to reports of an area of grass on fire. They used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire and the incident was dealt with by 3.23pm.

“The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition.”

On Monday July 19 at 2.27pm firefighters from Lurgan were called to Central Way, Craigavon.

A spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to reports of an area of grass on fire near the Rushmere Shopping Centre. They used one hose reel jet and two beaters to extinguish the fire and the incident was dealt with by 2.29pm. The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition.”

Also on Monday July 19 Lurgan firefighters were called to Lakeview Road, Craigavon at 3.07pm.

A spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to reports of an area of grass on fire. They used one hose reel jet and three beaters to extinguish the fire and the incident was dealt with by 3.26pm. The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition.”

Again on Monday, this time at 9.50pm firefighters were called to Lake Road, Craigavon where one appliance from Lurgan attended.

A spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to reports of approximately 20sqm of grass on fire. They used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire and the incident was dealt with by 10.17pm. The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition.”

On Tuesday July 20 at 7.06pm firefighters were called to Highfield Road, Craigavon where one appliance from Portadown attended.

A spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a small area of grass on fire. They used one beater to extinguish the fire and the incident was dealt with by 7.31pm. The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition.”

One Wednesday two appliances from Lurgan attended a blaze at Lakeview Road, Craigavon.

A spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to reports of an area of grass on fire. They used two beaters and two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire and the incident was dealt with by 1.52pm. The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition.”

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