Arson Awareness Month

April is Arson Awareness Month

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning about the unpredictability of fire to remind people about the dangers of arson with Arson Awareness Month throughout April.

What may start off as a small blaze can quickly spread and escalate with more devastating consequences, and fire officers are calling for more vigilance from the public and for suspicious activity to be reported.

Fire and rescue crews regularly visit schools to advise young people about the very real dangers of setting fires, and how what starts out as something small can soon escalate into a blaze that can put the lives of the public and firefighters at considerable risk.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service works closely with Cheshire Police and other agencies to stop this type of anti-social behaviour to preserve the safety of people and property.

Colin Heyes, the Service's Arson Reduction Manager said: "This sort of crime is extremely dangerous and any fire puts the lives of the public and firefighters at considerable risk. It also takes up a lot of valuable time and resources. What people often don't think about is what is near the fire they are starting and the unpredictable nature of fire means it can often spread quickly and have devastating consequences."

Between 2012-2015 there was a total of 4,033 deliberate fires in Cheshire, with 1,046 of those being set in 2014/15. On average April sees the highest overall activity for deliberate firesetting and the most common property to be set on fire was loose refuse, followed closely by wheelie bins.

Colin continued: "We really would like people to be on their guard and report anyone they see lighting fires. We would therefore urge anyone with information about this sort of behaviour to report it by calling Crimestoppers, which can be done anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or Cheshire Police on 101."

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