Hoax 999 caller sets alarm bells ringing

A FIRE chief has warned hoax callers they face the full force of the law after a man was found guilty of making a false 999 call.

James Solan, of Terrace Street, Oldham, called the fire brigade at 2.30am on November 20, 2010.

He claimed there were two people trapped in a burning house in St Martin’s Street, Queensway, Rochdale.

The 49-year-old was arrested after three fire engines attended and discovered it was a hoax.

Solan was found guilty of knowingly making a false alarm and ordered to pay £200 compensation to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, as well as £200 court costs.

He was also given a six-month community order with an alcohol treatment and supervision requirement and given a restraining order preventing him of contacting the person living at the address in Rochdale.

Rochdale borough fire commander Dave Kirkham, based at Rochdale fire station, said: “Fire crews can’t be in two places at once.

“If an individual is making malicious calls, he is pulling valuable services away from where they need to be.

“If people are considering that kind of behaviour, this is a warning there are powers available and we will take the necessary action.”