Irvine Moor: Concerns raised as 'kids lighting deliberate fires'

A concerned resident who lives next to Irvine Moor raised their concerns with the Times, and said that the fire brigade had to be called on numerous ocassions to the area.

Firefighters were called to the area to put out four separate blazes on the weekend of April 22 and 23.

The resident claimed that these blazes were no accident - and that groups of youths have been setting shrubbery alight and drinking alcohol in the area during recent spells of drier weather.

Some of the bushes in Irvine Moor have been burnt down. (Image: Submitted)

The concerned resident, who asked not to be named, said: "The Moor and surrounding grass, bushes and trees and wildlife are getting destroyed by kids lighting deliberate fires.

"This happened over the weekend, and the fire brigade were out at least five or more times to stop the fires spreading.

"The kids gather and hide out of sight, drink, then light fires. It's constant - you can't putting washing out [because] it smells of smoke and burnt grass.

"Most weekends without fail the fire brigade and their resources are called to attend round here and stop the fires spreading."

Locals say they fear for the future of the area if this continues. (Image: Submitted)

The resident said they have genuine fears about the future of the area if these acts are allowed to continued.

"These kids are local, and congregate before hiding down out of sight to drink alcohol," they said.

"The fires then start. They run away leaving the devastation of dead plants , grasses and wildlife which is also affected.

"Also, the place is full of burnt drinks bottles and cans of beer.

"This area, used for Marymass, will be no more if they don’t stop this. These plants and grounds may never recover.

"Local schools should be highlighting this to pupils and let them know the consequences of fire-starting and the environment they are destroying.

"The kids think it’s a big game they are winning."

Empty alcoholic drink containers can also be found amongst the ashes. (Image: Submitted)

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) say they are aware of the incidents - and are working with other emergency services to tackle the problem

Area Commander Ian McMeekin, the SFRS area commander for East, South and North Ayrshire, said: “During Saturday April 22 and Sunday April 23, our crews attended four incidents of grass fires on the moorland near Carrick Drive in Irvine, North Ayrshire.

"Dry and sunny spells of weather over the weekend allowed for an increase in the risk of grass fires as the ground becomes drier during warmer weather.

"When people act carelessly, these types of fires can have devastating consequences for nearby properties and local wildlife and are a needless drain on emergency service resources.

"We will continue to work with Police Scotland and North Ayrshire Council to prevent these types of fires and routinely appeal to the public, and young people in particular, to consider the serious consequences of deliberately setting a fire.

"Deliberate fire-setting is an offence, and anyone with information regarding fire setters can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."