MORE than 100 deliberate fires were recorded in Cumnock and the surrounding area in the last nine months of 2023, a report has revealed.

Fire chiefs say the number of deliberate fires across East Ayrshire between April 1 and December 31 last year was 5 per cent up on the same period in 2022.

According to the report, 35 deliberate fires were reported in the Ballochmyle ward, another 45 in Cumnock and New Cumnock, and 53 in Doon Valley.

The statistics for the area have been published in a report to go before East Ayrshire Council's police and fire and rescue committee.

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Sadly, one fire casualty was reported in the area during the same period, in Cumnock and New Cumnock.

There were 10 accidental dwelling fires in Cumnock and New Cumnock from April to December, four in Ballochmyle and two in Doon Valley.

Cumnock and New Cumnock recorded the second-highestnumber of unwanted fire alarm signals in East Ayrshire with 35- second behind Kilmarnock West and Crosshouse with 89.

Ballochmyle recorded 27, while Doon Valley had 20.

The committee will meet to discuss the figures on Tuesday, March 5.