Smoke Bomb Warning Issued

Fire crews from Fife have recently had to deal with a number of incidents involving smoke bombs.

The smoke bombs have been deliberately activated within enclosed places resulting in crews responding to incidents in homes and communal stairwells.

The most recent incident happened in Kennoway yesterday.
 
Station Manager Iain Brocklebank explains: 

"The use of these devices in inappropriate locations causes fear and panic to householders. It may also result in sufficient inhalation of smoke to cause irritation of the respiratory tract and lung damage.
 
"Smoke bombs produce a large amount of smoke that does not quickly disperse and improper use can be dangerous and harmful.  Under some circumstances can also ignite flammable materials therefore proper precautions must be taken to prevent fires involving combustible materials or in dry field conditions.
 
"Smoke bombs should only be used by a responsible and competent adult for professional purposes. They should also take appropriate measures to prevent confusion with 'real' smoke from a fire, which may cause alarm and false reports to emergency personnel.  Attending these incidents means at least one of our fire engines is unavailable to attend emergencies like house fires or road traffic collisions. This could cost precious seconds and minutes, which could put lives in our communities at risk.
 
"We provide free home fire safety visits and fit smoke alarms where required. If you or someone you know could benefit from a visit, please join Scotland’s fight against fire and request a visit by calling the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999, or by contacting your local fire station."

Police Scotland assist the Scottish Fire Service by investigating the use of smoke bombs in circumstances that place people at risk.

Inspector Donald Jenks said: 

"Letting off smoke bombs isn't simply a lark or a bit of fun but can put people at risk. In some circumstances this could be considered to be reckless conduct, damage could be caused and people injured as a result. In all of these circumstances these incidents would be investigated as crimes and those responsible reported to the courts."

Anyone with information regarding these incidents are asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.