Call for laws to allow firefighters investigate suspicious blazes

LEGISLATION should be introduced to allow firefighters to specifically investigate suspicious blazes for any signs of insurance-related arson.

Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA) chairman Michael Raftery made the comment after Central Statistics Office (CSO) and anecdotal evidence suggested a rise in questionable incidents since Ireland’s economic difficulties began.

Speaking on the final day of the group’s annual conference in Meelick, Co Clare, the senior official said under current structures, Gardaí are contacted to examine any fires considered suspicious.