Cleveland Fire Brigade is urging communities to take simple steps to stay safe as it launches its annual Spring Safety Campaign.
Running from 30 March to 5 May 2026, the campaign focuses on reducing deliberate fires and anti-social behaviour during a time of year when incidents traditionally increase.
With lighter evenings and the school holidays approaching, fire crews typically see a rise in deliberate outdoor fires. In 2025, there were 896 deliberate outdoor fires during this period, highlighting the need for early action to prevent avoidable incidents.
This year’s campaign carries a clear message: ‘Every Fire Has a Cost’ – not just to emergency services, but to local communities, the environment and public safety.
Firefighters and prevention teams will be working closely with partners and residents to:
- Target known hotspot areas using data and local intelligence
- Remove fire risks through initiatives such as community skips
- Deliver safety messages in schools and community settings
- Support vulnerable residents through Safer Homes Visits
- Encourage reporting of deliberate fire-setting through FireStoppers
Richie Brown, Head of Prevention and Engagement at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said:
“Every fire has a cost, whether that’s damage to the environment, risk to life, or the impact on emergency services and local communities.
As we move into spring, we know there is an increased risk of deliberate fires, particularly during school holidays. That’s why it’s so important we work together with our communities to prevent incidents before they happen.
Simple actions like securing your bins, disposing of waste responsibly and reporting concerns in the community can make a real difference in reducing fire risk and keeping people safe.”
Residents are being encouraged to remain vigilant, particularly over the Easter period, and act as the eyes and ears of their communities. Anyone with information about deliberate fires, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is urged to report it anonymously via FireStoppers.
Reports can be made online at www.firestoppersreport.co.uk or by calling 0800 169 5558. All information is treated in confidence, and callers remain 100% anonymous.
Residents are also being asked to play their part by:
- Keeping bins and waste secure and away from properties
- Only putting rubbish out on collection day and bringing bins back in promptly
- Reporting fly-tipping to their local council
A coordinated programme of activity will take place across Cleveland, including targeted engagement in areas identified as higher risk.
Together, we can prevent deliberate fires and protect our communities this spring – because Every Fire Has a Cost.
