Help put a stop to deliberate fires this summer

With the start of the summer school holidays, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is urging parents to warn children of the dangers of fire and the potentially life-threatening consequences of deliberate fire setting.

Children and young people are believed to be responsible for over two thirds of deliberate fires which KFRS attends.* Fires are started in all sorts of areas, including rubbish, fly tipping, grassland, parks and even domestic properties. Incidents are often carried out by groups and tend to be unplanned, arising from opportunity and even peer pressure.

Head of Community Safety Stuart Skilton said: "Up until now summer has been a bit of a wash-out, but increased rainfall means that grassland and country-side areas have flourished. However, now that we have a period of hot, dry weather there is a greater risk of fire spreading more quickly and larger blazes developing.

However Stuart warned:

"We want to get the message out that arson is a crime, not just harmless fun, and deliberate fires are destructive and dangerous. Fire setters are putting themselves, and others, at serious risk. Not only does deliberate fire setting have an impact on the environment in which we all live and work, it also have the potential to divert valuable fire-fighting resources away from other incidents such as house fires or road traffic collisions where lives may be in danger."

KFRS works alongside partner agencies including local, district and county councils, Kent Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Forensic Science Service to investigate deliberate fires, identify those responsible and actively seek prevention and education opportunities.

• Fire crews have been involved with local schemes aimed at reducing the risk of fire spread in areas such as Dartford Heath and the Great Lines, Chatham, where fire breaks have been cut into large grassland areas.
• Kent Fire and Rescue Service's proactive approach includes a dedicated youth diversion team tackling issues of arson and anti-social behaviour and an education programme in schools. In the lead up to the school holidays Education Officers have been talking to pupils about how they can stay safe this summer.
• KFRS is proactive partner with the Clean Kent campaign, KFRS continues to work in partnership with other agencies to progress rubbish and car clear up schemes such as Operation Cubit, to reduce potential sources of fuel for deliberate fire setting.

The general public can help by following some important safety tips to prevent fires starting in the first place:

• Don't discard cigarettes out of car windows as this can set light to grass verges and grassland areas
• Don't light fires in the countryside or drop litter which could be set fire to
• Don't accumulate rubbish which can act as potential fuel for deliberate fire setters
• Contact your local district or borough council to arrange collection of unwanted furniture, or to report abandoned vehicles or fly tipped waste
• Extinguish bonfires and barbecues properly
• Keep matches and lighters out of the way of young children and remind them that they are not toys
• If you are a parent you are strongly advised not to leave youngsters to wander in the countryside unsupervised. Ensure that they are aware of the dangers of fire
• Report any information about illegal fire setting activities and those responsible (anonymously) to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
• The penalty of arson with the intent to endanger life is up to 14 years in prison and up to seven years for arson with intent to cause criminal damage and up to £5,000 fine. Deliberate anti-social fire setting that doesn't endanger life or cause criminal damage can lead to anti-social behaviour orders or community service.
• Over the last 3 years summer periods (1 April - 30 September) the percentage of deliberate fires which have been identified as being caused by a youth (10-17 years) is 68.10% and by a child (0-9years) is 9.54%.