Arson Reduction

Deliberately started fires are a serious threat to business premises of all kinds. It is a problem that affects all sections of the population and is not confined only to urban areas.

80% of the fires that South Yorkshire firefighters attend are started deliberately, because of this, one of the key priorities is to reduce arson across the county. The Fire Service, police and local authorities are working hard to raise awareness of fire safety and the risks of arson.

Reducing the Risk

The majority of deliberate fires in commercial and industrial premises are started in waste material left easily accessible.

Waste material should not be allowed to accumulate anywhere on the premises
Any waste should be stored in metal containers with lockable lids and should be located in areas inaccessible to vandals or arsonists ideally in a secure area.
Skips should be emptied regularly and should be sited at a safe distance, ideally 8 metres from any building or at least far enough away so that any fire that is started in the skip can not spread to that building.

Never leave pallets, plastic crates or trays in open yards adjacent to the premises, vandals and arsonists frequently use them to start fires.

At closedown it is essential for a responsible person to check:

External doors are locked
Internal doors closed
Windows closed and locked
No unauthorised persons left on the premises
No accumulation of waste or rubbish
Alarms switched on
Lights switched on as required

For further information please see the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service "Safe on the Streets" web pages via the link below:

http://www.syfire.gov.uk/safeonthestreets.asp

Last updated: 09 January 2012 Printable version