Deliberate fires divert Scottish firefighters from emergencies says SFRS

by Featured NewsResearch

Fire crews in Scotland tackled over 3,000 deliberate fires last summer

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has reported that more than 3,000 deliberate fires occurred across Scotland in the summer of 2024.

According to SFRS, 3,195 deliberate fires were recorded between June and August.

This equates to an average of over 30 fire-setting incidents every day.

The fires included grass, woodland, crop, refuse, residential, commercial and derelict buildings.

SFRS stated that although the number of incidents was lower than in previous years, each call diverts crews from other emergencies.

Summer fire activity lowest since 2020 but remains disruptive

The SFRS noted that the 2024 summer period recorded the fewest deliberate fires since 2020.

Despite this, the organisation highlighted ongoing challenges due to the frequency and spread of such incidents.

Assistant Chief Officer Jon Henderson, SFRS Director of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness, said: “If our crews are putting out more than 30 deliberate fires a day during summer then that’s time that could be spend elsewhere dealing with genuine emergencies.

“Deliberate fire-setting, whether it’s affecting a derelict building or woodland, is a crime and it can have a serious impact on local communities, as well as the potential for someone to get badly hurt or worse.

“We want those responsible to understand that getting involved in this type of behaviour can also impact negatively on your future.

“We’ll continue to take a zero-tolerance approach and will work with our police partners to identify those responsible.”

The fire service explained that deliberate fire-setting incidents are particularly disruptive in rural and high-risk areas.

It added that every call-out to this type of incident can delay response to house fires, road traffic collisions, or medical emergencies.

Police call fire-setting reckless and damaging to communities

Police Scotland has supported SFRS in highlighting the harm caused by deliberate fire-setting.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “Setting fires deliberately is reckless and irresponsible. It can endanger lives and result in significant damage to property.

“It also causes fear and alarm to those living in the local area and diverts valuable emergency service resources.

“We remain committed to working with our partners to reduce the number of these crimes taking place.

“We would urge anyone with information on fires being set in their community to contact police via 101, or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers through 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Police Scotland reported that they are working closely with fire crews to trace those responsible for fire-setting.

The service said it encourages members of the public to report any suspicious activity near property or open land.

Joint efforts between SFRS and Police Scotland to identify offenders

SFRS and Police Scotland said they are continuing to carry out joint patrols in areas with repeat incidents.

They noted that CCTV, witness accounts and forensic evidence are used in investigations.

The fire service confirmed that education campaigns are being run in schools and community groups to deter youth involvement in fire-setting.

Police Scotland added that some arrests had been made in connection with fire-starting cases during 2024, although no figures were released in the latest statement.

Both organisations stressed that prevention efforts were ongoing and would be maintained throughout the 2025 summer period.

Fire-setting includes both open land and buildings

The SFRS explained that the range of deliberate fire settings includes various environments, with no single category accounting for the majority.

Incidents were reported in grassland, urban streets, and commercial premises.

Fires in derelict buildings were described as a recurring risk, often posing danger to firefighters due to unstable structures.

The fire service also highlighted concerns over setting refuse alight in bins near homes, which can spread rapidly to occupied properties.

SFRS stated that many fires occur in remote areas, requiring extensive travel times and resource deployment.

Deliberate fires in Scotland impact emergency response: Summary

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported 3,195 deliberate fires during summer 2024.

This equates to an average of over 30 incidents per day across Scotland.

Incidents included fires in grassland, woodland, crops, buildings and refuse.

The 2024 figure represents the lowest summer total since 2020.

SFRS said these incidents divert crews from other emergency calls.

Assistant Chief Officer Jon Henderson stated that fire-setting poses serious risk to communities.

Police Scotland said the behaviour is reckless and damages property.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland urged the public to report suspicious activity.

Both organisations confirmed that joint investigations are ongoing.

Patrols and forensic investigations are being used to identify suspects.

Prevention campaigns are being delivered to young people in affected areas.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service respond to over 4,500 incidents in five years

by Featured NewsResearch

Deliberate fires across the UK continue to waste valuable resources and put lives at risk, despite Fire and Rescue Services across the UK attending fewer incidents than last year. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue has been revealed as attending over 11,000 incidents since 2019 by a new investigation, with many of these being deliberate fires.

Primary and secondary fires

Figures obtained by Public Interest Lawyers found that the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has attended 11,544 primary and secondary fires over the past five years, with around 40% of these being deliberate fires.

Primary fires are potentially more serious fires that cause harm to people or damage to property.  Secondary fires are generally small outdoor fires, not involving people or property and these include refuse fires, grassland fires and fires in derelict buildings or vehicles.

In 2019/20, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 2,487 primary and secondary fires, the second-highest number of fires in the past five years. Two years later, this number decreased to 2,028, caused by restrictions and lockdowns during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Service has experienced a drop in primary and secondary fires over the past year, with a total of 1,921.

Deliberate fires

Fire Rescue Services (FRSs) attended 600,324 incidents in the year ending March 2024, a decrease of 3.6% compared with the previous year (622,659).  Of these incidents, there were 138,977 fires, which was a decrease of 22% compared with the previous year (178,867).

Despite this positive drop in fires across the UK, a worrying percentage of these incidents are deliberate fires, which can lead to injuries and fatalities.

In the Public Interest Lawyers research 40% of primary and secondary fires were found to be deliberate fires. Victims of deliberate fires may lose all their property, become homeless or be seriously injured. The impact of arson is not just financial; it can also significantly affect a person’s emotional well-being and sense of security.

As highlighted by the Public Interest Lawyers, deliberately set fires are dangerous and are a criminal offence. They waste time, money and keep fire crews away from real emergencies. Deliberately set fires commonly include bins, skips, fly-tipped waste, derelict buildings, dry grass and heathland.

The impact across Hertfordshire

The Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has recorded 34 deliberate fire injuries since 2019. The highest annual total was eight in 2021/22 and 2022/23.

Whilst the impact of lockdowns in 2021 may have depressed the number of deliberate cases, the figures show that not only is arson the leading single cause of the fire but highlight the extent to which the increasing threat of arson must be taken seriously.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service covers a wide area, which is divided into districts. Based on figures gathered from the service, the district where the most fires have occurred since 2019 is Dacorum at 1,581. East Hertfordshire, North Hertfordshire and Welwyn Hatfied District’s also experienced over 1,300 incidents.

Rise in deliberate fires attended by Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Since 2019, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have attended an increased amount of deliberate fires, over 4,500 out of the 11,544 incidents. Meaning that deliberate fires made up over 40% of the incidents attended by the Service.

Fire services address high levels of deliberate fires across England and Wales

by Featured NewsResearch

Deliberate fires impact emergency resources in the UK

Fire and rescue services across England and Wales have responded to hundreds of thousands of fire incidents since 2019, with a substantial proportion of these being deliberate fires, according to Public Interest Lawyers.

The investigation highlights regional disparities in deliberate fire incidents, ranging from 5% of cases in Lincolnshire to 60% in West Yorkshire.

National data shows that UK fire services attended 600,324 incidents in the year ending March 2024, a 3.6% decrease compared to the previous year.

Of these, 138,977 were fires, marking a 22% decrease year-on-year.

However, deliberate fires remain a persistent challenge.

Public Interest Lawyers stated: “Deliberately set fires are dangerous and are a criminal offence.

“They waste time, money and keep fire crews away from real emergencies.”

Regional statistics show variation in fire trends

The London Fire Brigade recorded 85,749 fire incidents over five years, with 15% of these identified as deliberate.

Croydon had the highest borough incidents with 3,730.

Deliberate fires caused 532 injuries during the period, peaking in 2023/24.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service attended 10,464 incidents, with 40% deliberate.

Western District saw the highest number of incidents at 1,727.

Injuries from deliberate fires totalled 52, with the highest annual count of 18 in 2023/24.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service recorded 46,829 fire incidents, of which 60% were deliberate.

Bradford had the most incidents, logging 4,465.

Deliberate fires caused 287 injuries, with 67 recorded in 2019/20.

Arson continues to pose risks to property and life

Deliberate fires include incidents involving bins, skips, fly-tipped waste, derelict buildings, and dry grass.

These fires lead to property damage, homelessness, and injuries.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service attended 8,501 fire incidents since 2019, 25% of which were deliberate.

Ipswich logged 1,072 incidents, the highest in the region.

In Lincolnshire, fire services responded to 40,492 incidents, with 5% deliberate.

Deliberate fires caused 79 injuries, peaking in 2023/24.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service attended 15,817 incidents, with 25% deliberate.

Preston Circus station area recorded the most incidents, with 1,495.

Public Interest Lawyers noted: “Victims of deliberate fires may lose all their property, be made homeless or be seriously injured.”

Efforts to mitigate arson and its impact

Cleveland Fire Brigade recorded 45,340 fire incidents over the past five years, with 45% being deliberate.

In Avon, fire services attended 54,038 incidents, with 12% deliberate.

Both regions highlight the need for ongoing public awareness and prevention measures.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service managed 25,554 incidents since 2019, with 40% deliberate.

Preston logged the highest number of incidents, with 3,148.

Injuries caused by deliberate fires reached 260, peaking at 75 in 2019/20.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service recorded 9,387 incidents, with 30% deliberate.

Central Ward had the highest local incidents at 385.

Injuries from deliberate fires totalled 25.

Public Interest Lawyers provide advice to those affected by arson through a 24-hour helpline.

Fire services address high levels of deliberate fires across England and Wales: summary

An investigation by Public Interest Lawyers highlights the prevalence of deliberate fires across England and Wales.

Fire services have attended thousands of incidents over the past five years, with deliberate fires accounting for between 5% and 60% of cases depending on the region.

London, West Yorkshire, and Leicestershire recorded some of the highest numbers of incidents and injuries.

Deliberate fires often involve outdoor waste and abandoned buildings, posing risks to property and life.

Public Interest Lawyers offer support to victims through a dedicated helpline.