FIRE chiefs are appealing to the public not to abuse the 999 system as emergency services prepare for their busiest period.

Last year the brigade received no less than 170 malicious fire calls between December 20 and New Year's Eve.

County Fire Officer Mr George Almond, said: "It is very disappointing that despite out best efforts, we still receive a high number of malicious calls during the festive period.

"These calls put lives at risk and are viewed as extremely dangerous. A fire engine cannot be in two places at once and lives could be lost due to unnecessary delays in attending malicious calls.

"The public are being reminded that making a hoax 999 call is a criminal offence. Convicted callers face a £2,500 fine and/or three months jail for each offence.

Mr Almond concluded: "The 999 call out system should only be used for genuine emergencies. In all other cases they should contact their local fire station or contact the Fire Service Headquarters."

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