EDM 1212: Fire fighters and the Cumbernauld Wild Fires

This House recognises the courageous professionalism and dedication of fire fighters from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service who have had to deal with two serious fires in recent weeks in the constituency of Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch; commends the fire fighters who were on scene and dealt with an unpredictable wildfire for two days in the Fannyside loch area, which is a natural rural environment on the outskirts of Cumbernauld; notes that their efforts brought the wildfire to a safe conclusion before it reached homes and businesses, that no injuries or fatalities were reported and that the fire could be seen for miles around with the night sky glowing orange with flames; further commends the fire fighters that dealt with another fire in an industrial unit in the Lenziemill area which resulted in explosions and six people being injured and who tackled the blaze as explosions and plumes of black smoke from the recycling centre filled the sky; recognises that fire fighters put their lives in jeopardy every day to keep our communities, people and places safe; appreciates their heroic efforts in dealing with the diverse causes of fire; and calls on the Government to ensure that information and professional advice on the prevention of fires in natural spaces, homes and businesses is understood by everyone, enabling us all to play our part in reducing fires.