The Buchan area has seen an increase in unwanted fire alarm signals and deliberately started fires.
And fire chiefs have revealed that many of the problems have been caused by prisoners at HMP Grampian and in sheltered housing complexes.
Craig Shand, operational watch manager for the fire service in the north east, presented a report to councillors on the Buchan Area Committee last night.
The figure for April 1 to June 30 highlighted there were 55 unwanted fire alarms, where automatic detection systems were triggered by something other than a fire – a marked rise from 48 in the previous three-month period.
Mr Shand confirmed that a number of accidental home fires had happened at sheltered housing complexes.
Four of the eight reported incidents between April and June happened in such properties.
Mr Shand said: “We’re continuing to encourage carers and social work to report to us when people are struggling or move into a new sheltered home.
“That way, we can help to eliminate any potential fire hazards.”
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There was one more deliberately started fire this period than last, with a total of 12 across the area.
Teams are working with schools to educate youngsters about the dangers of fireraising, particularly in the run-up to Bonfire night.
Figures for non-domestic and secondary fires dropped from 13 to seven, but five of these were committed within HMP Grampian superprison in Peterhead.
Mr Shand said that the new smoking ban being introduced in HMP Grampian on November 30 should make a difference.
From that date, prisoners will only be permitted to use e-cigarettes instead of smoking as it eliminates fireraising materials.
Scottish Prison Service spokesman Tom Fox said: “We’ve had a number of fires deliberately started by certain individuals within their cells.
“We’re working with the fire services to look at ways we can take down those numbers.
“It’s disruptive to everyone, particularly the fire services as it uses their resources for every call-out.
“We are working with individuals to help them understand the nuisance it causes.”
Mr Shand said: “We’ve had meetings with those involved at the prison and will continue to provide safety advice.
“But it’s draining our resources because there are three engines sent out every time.
“It is a challenging time in the prison and the smoking ban coming in November will hopefully make a difference to these figures.”
