Cheshire Fire and Rescue

Unpredictable fire in Cheshire East

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning about the unpredictability of fire and to remind people about the dangers of arson.

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 to report any suspicious activity.

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.
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.

One such incident happened in Tipkinder Park car park in Crewe, where a car had been deliberately set on fire. The vehicle was well alight when firefighters arrived on the scene to extinguish the blaze. This fire could easily have spread to surrounding trees and parkland.

The multi-agency work has seen incidents decline over the last three years but there are still over 1500 recorded for 2014, and the personal cost, it can have, in lost lives, serious injury and emotional damage to families and communities is immeasurable.

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.

"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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