Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service received a hoax 999 call at 8.38pm Monday 7th October 2013 from a phone box outside the Co-Op in Lodge Lane, Bridgnorth.
The young male caller falsely reported a house was on fire in Beestons Close, Bridgnorth. Two crews from Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock and an Officer were called to the address.
Hoax calls can cost lives, whilst crews are called out to these false calls they cannot attend real emergencies and as a result fire crews have to be directed from other areas. These delays can cost lives.
These false incidents also cost Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service £275 per hour for every fire appliance attending or covering the attending appliances.
It is an offence to make a false 999 call to the fire service, and can carry a £5000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment. All 999 calls are recorded and information is shared with West Mercia Police.
If anyone has any information about this hoax call they are asked to ring West Mercia Police on 101.
