Deliberate fires impact emergency resources in the UK

Fire and rescue services across England and Wales have responded to hundreds of thousands of fire incidents since 2019, with a substantial proportion of these being deliberate fires, according to Public Interest Lawyers.

The investigation highlights regional disparities in deliberate fire incidents, ranging from 5% of cases in Lincolnshire to 60% in West Yorkshire.

National data shows that UK fire services attended 600,324 incidents in the year ending March 2024, a 3.6% decrease compared to the previous year.

Of these, 138,977 were fires, marking a 22% decrease year-on-year.

However, deliberate fires remain a persistent challenge.

Public Interest Lawyers stated: “Deliberately set fires are dangerous and are a criminal offence.

“They waste time, money and keep fire crews away from real emergencies.”

Regional statistics show variation in fire trends

The London Fire Brigade recorded 85,749 fire incidents over five years, with 15% of these identified as deliberate.

Croydon had the highest borough incidents with 3,730.

Deliberate fires caused 532 injuries during the period, peaking in 2023/24.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service attended 10,464 incidents, with 40% deliberate.

Western District saw the highest number of incidents at 1,727.

Injuries from deliberate fires totalled 52, with the highest annual count of 18 in 2023/24.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service recorded 46,829 fire incidents, of which 60% were deliberate.

Bradford had the most incidents, logging 4,465.

Deliberate fires caused 287 injuries, with 67 recorded in 2019/20.

Arson continues to pose risks to property and life

Deliberate fires include incidents involving bins, skips, fly-tipped waste, derelict buildings, and dry grass.

These fires lead to property damage, homelessness, and injuries.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service attended 8,501 fire incidents since 2019, 25% of which were deliberate.

Ipswich logged 1,072 incidents, the highest in the region.

In Lincolnshire, fire services responded to 40,492 incidents, with 5% deliberate.

Deliberate fires caused 79 injuries, peaking in 2023/24.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service attended 15,817 incidents, with 25% deliberate.

Preston Circus station area recorded the most incidents, with 1,495.

Public Interest Lawyers noted: “Victims of deliberate fires may lose all their property, be made homeless or be seriously injured.”

Efforts to mitigate arson and its impact

Cleveland Fire Brigade recorded 45,340 fire incidents over the past five years, with 45% being deliberate.

In Avon, fire services attended 54,038 incidents, with 12% deliberate.

Both regions highlight the need for ongoing public awareness and prevention measures.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service managed 25,554 incidents since 2019, with 40% deliberate.

Preston logged the highest number of incidents, with 3,148.

Injuries caused by deliberate fires reached 260, peaking at 75 in 2019/20.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service recorded 9,387 incidents, with 30% deliberate.

Central Ward had the highest local incidents at 385.

Injuries from deliberate fires totalled 25.

Public Interest Lawyers provide advice to those affected by arson through a 24-hour helpline.

Fire services address high levels of deliberate fires across England and Wales: summary

An investigation by Public Interest Lawyers highlights the prevalence of deliberate fires across England and Wales.

Fire services have attended thousands of incidents over the past five years, with deliberate fires accounting for between 5% and 60% of cases depending on the region.

London, West Yorkshire, and Leicestershire recorded some of the highest numbers of incidents and injuries.

Deliberate fires often involve outdoor waste and abandoned buildings, posing risks to property and life.

Public Interest Lawyers offer support to victims through a dedicated helpline.