70 'deliberate' fires in Limavady

By Freya McClements
BBC News

The derelict Gorteen House Hotel in Limavady was set on fire in February

Firefighters in Limavady have attended 70 deliberate fires since the start of 2008, according to figures from the NI Fire and Rescue Service.

Seven of the fires were in dwellings, with three in unoccupied houses, one in a school, three involving domestic oil tanks and seven in vehicles.

About 40 were described as secondary fires - with bins, gorse, or rubbish being set alight.

A Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said such fires put lives at risk.

"We would appeal to people not to start fires deliberately," said the spokesperson.

"Deliberate fires first and foremost put lives at risk amongst both the public and firefighters, and can cause widespread damage to property and the environment.

"We would ask people to report any suspicious activity to the police," they said.

The derelict Gorteen House Hotel in Limavady was set on fire in February.

In March, more than 100 people attended a meeting organised by the PSNI in Limavady to discuss the problem of arson in the town.