"Arson isn't entertainment": Fire Brigade fighting more than COVID-19

Photo Credit: Dublin Fire Brigade

Dublin Fire Brigade has reported cases of arson around the Finglas area in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, citing school closures and youths with too much time on their hands as a possible motive.

In a tweet yesterday morning, the fire department said: “Keeping youngsters, not so young and old-enough-to-know-betters entertained will be a challenge over the next few weeks. It shouldn’t need to be said that arson isn’t entertainment.”

The post continued: “Firefighters from Finglas prevented this fire from spreading to the main building yesterday”, and included photos of the burning structure.

Keeping youngsters, not so young and old-enough-to-know-betters entertained will be a challenge over the next few weeks.

It shouldn't need to be said that arson isn't entertainment. Firefighters from Finglas prevented this fire from spreading to the main building yesterday. pic.twitter.com/Rn86R8mk0n

— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) March 15, 2020

This comes at a time when emergency services are already strained due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, with the department itself reporting at least one of its firefighters/paramedics has tested positive for the disease.

DFB can confirm that one of our Firefighter/Paramedics has been tested positive for COVID 19.

The firefighter is under the medical care of the HSE and is doing well, we are respecting their privacy at this time and would ask that others follow likewise.

Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/AiStHwInaX

— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) March 15, 2020

They said in a statement: “We are currently working through Public Health to contact trace and assess other members of staff who may have been close or casual contacts.

“We have set up a contact tracing hub and will continue to monitor, communicate with and support all of our personnel providing an essential frontline service during these challenging times.”