Dear parent/guardian,
Over the last two weeks, there have been a number of serious fires in Preston City Centre. You may have seen in the local news the fires at the old Odeon Cinema/Evoque nightclub and at the old orphanage on Mount Street.
These fires have caused significant damage and disruption in Preston, and it is fortunate that no one has been injured. It has taken Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s firefighters hundreds of hours to extinguish and involved numerous resources which reduces the available cover for response to further emergency incidents, putting further lives at risk.
Following a joint police and fire investigation, the causes of these fires have been recorded as deliberate and 3 juveniles have been arrested and have been bailed pending further enquiries, a fourth juvenile was interviewed under caution and released under investigation pending further investigation.
Over the school holidays, please make sure you know where your children are; if they are near other children or adults who are deliberately setting fire to property, they risk being seriously injured or prosecuted.
If you think your child has developed a fascination with fire and who have exposed themselves or others to the risk, you can book a place for your child on the Fire Intervention Response Education Scheme (FIRES) by visiting our website: https://www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/education/secondary/
Kind regards,
Group Manager Phil Jones
Community Protection for Central Area
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service