With Spring just around the corner, Cleveland Fire Brigade have launched its ‘Let’s Get Fired Up About Arson’ campaign to raise awareness of deliberate fires and help stamp it out within our communities.
A staggering 85% of all fire calls made to the Brigade are deliberate in nature – the highest in the country. The main targets are vehicles, grasslands and rubbish.
Figures show there were more than 4000 deliberate fires from April 2022 to the end of January 2023, a 42% increase on the five-year average.
Robin Turnbull, Area Manager, Prevention, Protection and Engagement said: “It is time we were no longer in this unwanted pole position and we need everyone to play a part in reducing arson. Deliberate fires destroy communities.
“With more people out and about now that the longer days and warmer temperatures are here, we are appealing for everyone to be vigilant, report any incidents and take extra care as we try and stop the minority who are intent on anti-social behaviour which diverts our resources away from real emergencies where lives may be at risk.
“We can all take steps to reduce the opportunities for deliberate fires. These include putting wheelie bins out only on the day of collection, storing any rubbish well away from property and reporting fly-tipping.
“By taking these few simple steps and looking out for what is happening in our area, we can all make a difference and keep our communities safe.”
Throughout the campaign the Brigade will be working with local community groups on clean-ups and litter picks and providing waste skips for community use. Crews will also be out and about giving fire safety advice to keep your home safe.
The Brigade is also signed-up to FireStoppers, where people can anonymously report any information about deliberate fires or violent attacks against staff to a confidential telephone line or via their website.
Tell us what you know, call FireStoppers on 0800 169 5558 or go to www.firestoppersreport.co.uk and complete the simple online form. 100% anonymous. Always.
