Officers to patrol quarry after spate of fires in Lossiemouth

Officers will be conducting regular patrols at a quarry in Lossiemouth after a spate of fires in recent weeks.

Since Friday, 22 August Scottish Fire and Rescue have attended several fires in the area, many of which are believed to be wilful.

There have been no reported injuries and enquiries are ongoing.

Officers from Police Scotland and fire fighters from Scottish Fire and Rescue have attended local secondary schools to deliver safety talks and work is ongoing with local land owners to add additional fire protection for nearby properties.

Officers will be carrying out patrols of the quarry before, during and after school and carrying out enquiries in the local area to trace those responsible.

Inspector Neil Morrison said: "Luckily no one was injured as a result of these incidents, however setting fires can have very serious consequences. Our enquiries are continuing, and officers are carrying out additional patrols in the area, as well as speaking to youths regarding the dangers of this type of antisocial behaviour.

"I also want to appeal to parents, do you know where your children are? Could they be involved in this reckless behaviour?

"Fire raising is dangerous and we will deal with anyone that behaves in this way with the full extent of powers available."

SFRS Group Commander Mark Witkowski said: "Deliberate fire-setting is a crime and has serious consequences for those involved.

"Those who set fires need to understand they are not only wasting the time of emergency service workers, they're endangering themselves and others.

"Our staff work all year round to engage with communities to shine a light on the impacts of deliberate fire-setting and we believe education to be key in preventing this issue.
"However, it's also true that we take a zero tolerance approach to all instances of deliberate fire-setting and will always work with our police partners to find those responsible."

Anyone in the local area who has any information regarding these incidents, or has any information regarding anti-social behaviour by youths should contact 101 quoting reference number 2175 of Monday, 1 September, 2025.