How we're reducing arson

Deliberate fires account for a large proportion of the emergency incidents we attend. 

Our prevention strategy is focused on working with partners including the police, local authorities, and other agencies to understand where the areas of greatest risk are, and to work together to reduce the number of deliberate fires that occur, analysing data and investigating fire related crimes to ensure appropriate action is taken against offenders. 

We also deliver targeted educational activities to change the behaviours of those people who are likely to commit arson. Although the smaller fires we attend are, to some extent, linked to the prevailing weather conditions, there is a recognised link between deliberately set small fires and other forms of antisocial behaviour. 

Data shows that young people start a large proportion of these fires so education and engagement with this group is key to reducing these incidents.