Firefighters board bus in bid to tackle arson attacks

Fire chiefs are taking to the streets in a mobile youth club to highlight the problem of deliberate fires - many of which are attributed to youth gangs.

Cleveland Fire Brigade is working to build up relationships with teenagers in Middlesbrough as part of its Whatever It Takes scheme.

The bus, fitted with mixing desks and games consoles, is normally used for drug and alcohol awareness sessions.

Mick Bolster, community safety officer at the brigade, said: "We are using the time spent on the bus to build relationships with young people in the area.

"It gives us a chance to get to know them and speak to them about issues in the area, such as arson, crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Our drug and alcohol advocate has joined us and let the youngsters have a go at driving a remote-controlled car with beer goggles on to demonstrate the dangers of drink driving.

"Through the bus, we have engaged with the young people who come on board and it has given us the opportunity to identify some who would benefit from training and development opportunities.

"It is good that we can build up relationships with them and hopefully have an impact on their lives."

The brigade regularly has to tackle fires in arson hot-spots, where up to 90 per cent of all the call-outs are to deliberately set fires.

Tom Kelly, from Teesside's youth inclusion project, which operates the bus, said: "The initiative has been a success because it allows workers to share skills and experiences and provides a safe environment for young people to engage in positive activities."

Staff from the brigade are onboard the bus from 5.30pm to 8pm on a Thursday evening, when it stops at Ayresome Gardens, which is in one of the wards the brigade is targeting in its Whatever It Takes scheme.

Teenagers from the area are invited on the bus free of charge to use the equipment, do different activities and get help and advice on issues such as sexual health and drug and alcohol issues.