Fire drills for school pupils to bring down deliberate blazes

Teenagers in Dundee have swapped their school lessons for hands-on training at the local fire station

Pupils from six secondary schools across the city have been learning basic firefighting drills, using hoses and hydrants and using ladders as part of a Scottish Fire and Rescue safety programme.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the number of deliberate fires in the city.

Fire safety advocate Kevin Phillip says Dundee has a “high incidence” of fire-raising.

He told STV News: “We have driven it down in the last four years but it’s a continual battle.

“There’s dangers associated with everything but especially fire. Two gulps of thick black smoke can almost render you unconscious so don’t get involved in it.

“Young people are fascinated by fire, so this is part of it. We want these young people to go back to their schools and say ‘wait a minute, this is our community and we’re doing damage.’

“But it’s really building up leadership skills, self confidence and take it back to their schools and think we can look after our communities across Dundee.”

It comes after a rise in deliberate fires in the city.

Fire at former Robertsons Furniture shop in Dundee in 2022 STV News

Six children aged 12 and 13 were charged in connection with a blaze at the former Robertson’s furniture store in 2022, while the Kirkton area of the city has been beset with deliberate fires at Halloween in recent years.

Pupil Keevah Molloy thinks the project will help get the message through to young people.

She said: “Fires are a big thing in youth so if they do this, they’ll think ‘what’s the point in setting a fire?’

“It is a lot to learn, but when you know it, you do get the hang of it. Everyone is there to help each other.”

It is hoped this project will help boost pupils confidence and help develop a sense of pride in their community.

As well as spreading a safety message, it is also giving young people a foot on the firefighting ladder.

Pupil Elidh Shearer said: “I think it’s going to be useful. Even if I don’t go to the fire service, there’s still safety stuff you can take from it.”

Peyton Macdonald added: “I didn’t expect to be doing actual fire drills and stuff but it’s been quite good, it’s been a good challenge.”

“It’s actually a lot harder than it looks especially with the hoses, you’re down and hurting your back and stuff,” Beth Esplin added.

Teams of pupils will face off in a firefighting competition at the end of the month.