Web to help trace hoax fire calls

Firefighters in Greater Manchester are hoping to trace hoax callers - by placing recordings of their calls on its website.

A number are thought to be from one youth who has called the brigade at least seven times, each time claiming incidents are happening in Stockport.

In 2005-06 the service attended 2,822 hoax calls, but the figure fell to 1,422 the next year after a campaign.

It is thought the false call-outs in 2005-06 cost the service £4.5m.

In one call, the youth said there was a house fire in Norcross Road, Offerton, Stockport.

When quizzed by the operator and asked: "Are you sure there is a house fire?" he replied: "Yep, I am not kidding."

She warned him the call was being recorded and that if it was a lie it would be passed to police. The boy said "I am not lying" and gave the house number.

In a second call he gave the name of a street where he claimed there was a fire but hung-up saying he could not spell it.

The maximum penalty for hoax calls is six months in jail and a £5,000 fine.

Barry Dixon, County Fire Officer for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Making a hoax call at any time is a mindless act and puts lives at risk.

"If you are stupid enough to make such a call then you just might hear your voice on our website with a very real opportunity for us to find out who you are."

Anyone who logs onto the fire brigade's website and recognises the youth's voice is asked to contact police or Crimestoppers.