Firefighters are warning of the potential fatal consequences of mindless malicious calls after a Billericay school pupil's hoax.

The move comes after an elderly woman was found dead in her flat following a fire while Basildon crews were attending Ramsden Hall School in Heath Road, after a prank call from a pupil.

Frances Buchanan, 72, was found in her smoke logged flat in Pevensey Way, Pitsea, by fire fighters who say they could have got there sooner if they were not attending the specialist school.

The incident has prompted them issue a severe warning to pranksters about hoax calls to emergency services and the dangerous result of their actions.

Around 10 per cent of Basildon fire station's incidents are hoaxes and fire chiefs say they have been making an effort to reduce this number.

Basildon station commander, Olly Holford, said: "Each month we have around 300 calls and from this, on average, 30 are malicious which is a concern.

"I cannot stress enough the dangers of malicious calls. We try and get the message across and we do our best to go round to schools and other youth groups to talk to them about the risks.

"It is not only because we may be delayed for a genuine fire but also the hazard posed to other road users by engines rushing at high speed to get to the incident.

"It is our worst nightmare that we are dealing with a malicious call when something really serious comes in."

Police in Wickford are probing the incident and has identified the youngster who attends the specialist school which helps children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Head teacher, Stewart Grant, said: "The school was devastated that there was a possible loss of life because fire engines were in the wrong place.

"The young person involved is feeling extremely remorseful and I just hope it is a steep learning curve for them and the other pupils."

Published Friday, June 27, 2003

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