Fire crews attended 4,208 deliberately started secondary (small) fires in 2018/19. Many of these involved bins, rubbish & grassland.


This past two weeks alone have seen our crews attend a large number of deliberately started secondary fires.


With the weather warming up, it's important that the public remain vigilant and report fire setters to the police or Crimestoppers.


What might seem like a "bit of fun" can have have a potentially life-changing impact. Fires like this put people's lives at risk. They cause damage to homes, business, community facilities & impact on wildlife and the environment.


When our crews are attending a wheelie bin or other similar secondary fire, it means they can't respond to other potentially life-threatening emergencies. They can't be in two places at once.


Top tips for protecting your property from arson:

• Ensure you have effective security. It is the best defence against arson.
• Entry gates should be secured, unless in use, to prevent access by intruders.
• Make sure any damage to fencing is repaired promptly to deter intruders.
• Fit good quality external doors.
• Close windows when not at home.
• Consider security systems such as intruder alarms/security lighting to deter intruders.
• Sheds and garages should be well secured as they often contain tools that can be used to force entry in to the home. They also often contain flammable liquids.
• Look after your wheelie bin. If possible, place out on the morning of collection and return to your property as soon as possible after collection.
• Burning materials (including fireworks) can be pushed through letter boxes. Consider fitting a metal container or lockable flap.
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them monthly.
• Avoid placing bins, rubbish, or other combustible items against the walls of the home. These are a ready supply of fuel for arsonists.
• Don’t leave flammable liquids in the open.
• Never store your wheelie bin near windows or doors.



If you see anyone setting fires in your community report it to the police immediately or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.