New figures have revealed the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service fought hundreds of unnecessary fires across the country last year.
Firefighters worked through the summer months of 2016 tackling blazes in homes, vehicles, on grassland, and in derelict buildings – the majority of which were deliberate.
This put pressure on firefighters when genuine emergencies arose and placed lives at risk.
Latest figures highlighted there were 532 deliberate fires in homes and buildings between June 27 and August 29, 2016. This was a rise of 38 from 2015.
Assistant Chief Officer David McGown, the SFRS Director of Prevention and Protection, added: “It absolutely goes without saying that we prefer to prevent fires – not fight fires.
“As a result, our firefighters work extremely hard to engage with the public and promote safety messages in order to keep our communities as safe as possible.
“In the lead-up to the school holidays, we have firefighters, Community Safety Advocates and teachers delivering education to young people about the dangers of fire.
“We would ask parents and carers to help us by discussing summer fire safety with young people. We can all work towards a fire-free summer.”
SFRS is urging anyone with information about deliberate fire-raising to contact the Crimestoppers helpline on 0800 555 111.