Fire services unite to counter summer spike in arson fires

FIRE services across the region are joining forces in a campaign to reduce the number of arson attacks this summer, as figures reveal the huge cost of blazes caused by firebugs.

More than 2,700 small fires, such as bin or grass fires, were deliberately started across Yorkshire and Humberside in July and August last year, costing an estimated 5.5m to deal with.

The number traditionally spikes during the school summer holidays. As a result, all four Yorkshire fire and rescue services have joined forces to raise awareness of the drain these fires can place on resources, as well as the dangers they can cause.

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South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue's head of prevention and protection, Phil Shillito, said: "Anti-social behaviour fires are a massive, costly problem for the whole of Yorkshire.

"Small fires, such as grass and bin fires, are not harmless fun. They can quickly escalate, threatening life and property, as well as diverting firefighting resources from potentially more serious incidents."

Arson reduction schemes have had a "massive impact" on reducing the number of deliberate secondary fires, according to the South Yorkshire service, with almost 1,000 fewer incidents last summer compared to the same period in 2007.

Crews from South, West and North Yorkshire and Humberside fire services will be putting on a range of activities and arson reduction schemes at fire stations throughout the summer holidays, as well as going into schools and youth groups to teach children about the consequences of arson.

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Parents are also being asked to look out for the tell-tale signs of fire setting – including small burn holes in carpets, charred paper in sinks or bins, matches or lighters in a child's bedroom, unusual fascinations with fire and unexplained fires in the home.

Mr Shillito added: "Diversionary activities and one-to-one engagement with young people have a proven track record of reducing incidents, and we hope parents and young people help us to help them, by supporting the initiatives we are putting on this summer and reporting anyone believed to be responsible for arson in their area."

There were 2,736 deliberate secondary fires in Yorkshire in July and August last year.