Vandals Attack Stokesley Fire Station 3rd Nov 2006

Vandals Target Fire Station and Put Lives at Risk

On Thursday 2^nd November 2006, vandals targeted Stokesley Fire Station's Emergency Call Facility. Emergency Call Facilities are phones attached to Fire Stations which enable members of the public to place a 999 call at the Fire Station at times when crews are not available on Station. 

A lit firework was put inside the emergency call box attached to the Fire Station. This caused severe damage to the call box and some damage to a room within the Fire Station where Firefighters receive their emergency call information.

Although the Fire Station remains operational following the incident, the emergency call facility has been put out of action. This means that callers who need to place a 999 call at the Fire Station are unable to do so; however people can still dial 999 from any phone as normal.

Fire and Rescue Service Spokesman, Station Manager Carl Boasman says "Every year lives are put at risk and thousands of pounds worth of damage is caused by the misuse of fireworks. On this occasion vandals have deliberately targeted the Fire Station, it is difficult to understand why people would want to do this."  He continues "Thankfully no-one was injured in this incident and the Fire Station remained operational. If the fire had spread to the main building, the local Community would have been without their Fire Station."

Tony Lidgate of North Yorkshire Police comments "Misbehaviour with fireworks is stupid, and cost lives. The person responsible for this has committed an act of criminal damage which carries severe penalties; they should consider themselves lucky that they are not facing more tragic or serious charges."

North Yorkshire Police are investigating this incident and are appealing for witnesses, if you have any information please call 0845 6060247 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.