Two teenagers have been arrested following a suspected arson attack on a crop field on Askham Lane in Acomb, York.
Emergency services were called to reports of a fire shortly after 3.30pm on Sunday 12 July. The fire is believed to have caused an estimated £30,000 worth of damage to crops.
It was brought safely under control by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Farm workers helped to stop it spreading by ploughing a fire break.
Nearby roads were closed due to the amount of smoke billowing across.
A 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old girl from the local area were arrested shortly afterwards on suspicion of arson.
A further eight fires were reported over the weekend, six of which are being treated as deliberate and remain under investigation.
Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Ben Ambler, of North Yorkshire Police, said:
“Arson is a serious offence that puts lives at risk and, in this case, has caused significant damage to a local farmer’s crops.
“Two local teenagers were swiftly arrested in connection with the suspected arson in Acomb yesterday, and our investigation is progressing at pace.
“We have a problem-solving plan in place to address this issue will continue our joint work with partners to educate young people about the dangers and consequences of fires as we head into the summer school holidays.”
The action comes after city councillors raised concerns.
Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Cllr Stephen Fenton described the latest deliberate fires as “a worrying trend“.
And Cllr Mark Warters, who represents Osbaldwick, said: “I would expect North Yorkshire Police will visit every school in York next week before they break up to stress the dangers of arson.
“And to warn everyone that there will be a zero tolerance approach to anyone caught building a fire in the open or lighting a fire in the open as well as maximum penalties being sought for any perpetrators.”
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager, Nick Allenby said: “Fire spreads quickly and can be unpredictable. A fire can endanger lives no matter what size it is. Even a small fire can spread quickly and divert crews away from life‑threatening emergencies.
“By working with partners, including North Yorkshire Police, we aim to educate children and young adults about the dangers of fire and help them understand the wider consequences of their actions before someone is seriously harmed.
“We are appealing to anyone with parental responsibilities to explain the hazards, risks and potentially devastating consequences of setting fires especially ahead of the summer holidays.”
Stopping arson attacks
If anyone is worried about a young person playing with fire, they can complete a FireSafe referral on the North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service’s website.
They also offer a free online home fire safety check, which will help you spot fire risks in your home and offer tips and advice on how to reduce them.
Depending on your answers, they may ask if they can come to your property and complete a home fire safety visit. This is a free service offered by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Always report acts of deliberate fire-setting in your community. If there is an immediate risk to life or property, call 999.
For non-emergencies, contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is also encouraging people to use FireStoppers if they have information about deliberate fire-setting but do not want to speak directly to the emergency services.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is an official FireStoppers partner. The national initiative, powered by the independent charity Crimestoppers, provides a 100% anonymous way for the public to report information about:
- deliberate fire-setting and arson
- attacks on firefighters
- fire safety concerns
- hoarding risks
- fly-tipping
All identifying information, such as phone numbers and IP addresses, is removed before reports are shared with relevant fire and rescue services. This means the person providing information remains completely anonymous.
You can call FireStoppers on 0800 169 5558, scan the QR code shown below, or visit firestoppersreport.co.uk.
