In 2008, 1,458 fires attended by Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service were started deliberately.  This figure represents an 18.6% decrease on 2007 figures.  Of all fires attended by the Service, deliberate fires remain the single largest cause of major fires in the UK.  Arson is a serious issue and can result in injury, damage to property and even loss of life.

 

Introduction

Arson is currently the largest single cause of major fires in the UK. Arson related fires lead to loss of life, injury and significant economic loss and environmental damage. Arson attacks on homes, arson attacks on schools and the thousands of small arson fires each year have a huge cost in terms of human suffering and disruption.

Arson is a complex issue; it has a variety of causes including vandalism, playing with fire, crime concealment, revenge, fraud and mental illness.

Effective strategies to tackle arson need to directly target arsonists and potential arsonists by partnership working and education. Reducing the opportunity for arson through the removal of abandoned vehicles and rubbish is vital to achieve a successful decrease in these types of fire.

What’s the Problem?

Defining arson

Arson in its broadest sense refers to a fire which has been deliberately started.  It is often defined as:

"The malicious act of setting fire to something with the intent to cause damage or harm”

Each week in the UK there are:

• There are 2,213 arson attacks.
• Arson kills 2 people.
• Arson injures 53 people.
• 20 schools and colleges are damaged or destroyed by arson.
• 262 homes are damaged or destroyed by arson.
• 360 businesses and public buildings are damaged or destroyed by arson.
• 1,402 cars are damaged or destroyed by arson.

Arson costs the economy £53.8 million pounds each week in England and Wales.