Firefighters have issued an urgent plea to York residents after being called out to more than 100 deliberate fires across the city in just six months.
The figure has been revealed during Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, with emergency services warning that these reckless acts are putting lives and homes at serious risk.
Arsonists have been targeting popular local green spaces and neighbourhoods, with fire crews highlighting Tang Hall, Clifton Backies, and St Nicks Nature Reserve as recent hotspots.
With the summer school holidays just around the corner, parents and carers are being urged to speak to their children about the dangers of playing with fire.
Emergency services warn that even a tiny blaze can quickly burn out of control. This then ties up fire engines that might be needed at life-or-death emergencies elsewhere.
North Yorkshire Police Acting Sergeant Ben Ambler said the blazes are putting a strain on emergency services.
“Starting a deliberate fire is extremely dangerous and it can endanger lives, destroy property and have devastating consequences,” he said.
“What may seem like a small fire can quickly escalate and spread unpredictably.”
He added: “Deliberate fire-setting is a criminal offence, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to identify those responsible and take robust action.”
Ruin a young life
The crackdown is part of Operation FireSafe, a joint scheme launched last year between the fire service and North Yorkshire Police to stamp out arson and anti-social behaviour.
Alongside school visits, fire officers have been working directly with young people caught setting fires to show them just how dangerous their actions are.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Watch Manager, Sy Wray, warned that getting caught could ruin a young person’s future.
“Intentionally starting fires of this nature is against the law,” they said. “Even a small fire can endanger lives, and have serious repercussions for the future in terms of employment prospects.
“We are appealing to those who have parental responsibilities to explain the hazards, risks and devastating consequences setting fires can have.”
‘Please report suspicious behaviour’
Fire bosses are asking the York community to keep their eyes open and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
If you have information about deliberate fire-setting in your area, you can report it 100% anonymously via FireStoppers (a national initiative run by Crimestoppers). They will never ask for your name, and your phone number or IP address cannot be tracked.
- Call FireStoppers: 0800 169 5558
- Report online: firestoppersreport.co.uk
- Active incidents: If you see a fire burning right now, always call 999 immediately.
If you are worried about a child or teenager showing an unhealthy interest in fire, you can also log on to the North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service website to request a free, confidential FireSafe referral or book a free home fire safety check.
