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Strategies for reducing the number of deliberate fires

Firefighters tackling a scrubland fire.
Working together to reduce arson.

Organisation: South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Category: Arson.
Date submitted: February 2007.

What was the problem?

During the period 2003/2004 the Fire and Rescue Service were dealing with high numbers of fires, including:

  • 2,982 vehicle fires
  • 14,345 grass and rubbish fires
  • 30 school fires
  • a significant number of dwelling fires.

What actions were taken?

The Fire and Rescue Service, police and local authorities worked in partnership to deliver campaigns to reduce the problem. Cardiff’s 'free takeaway scheme' and Rhondda Cynon Taff's 'Operation Cubit' are two examples of reducing vehicle crime by proactively removing unwanted and abandoned vehicles.

Dwelling fires campaigns were launched with the slogans 'Don't Drink and Fry' and 'Going Out? Put it out'. These campaigns included fitting smoke alarms and were supported by presentations to young people at 'Crucial Crew' events.

Tailored advice was provided to schools who also received guidance prior to school holidays from the Arson Reduction Unit. Other activities included the setting up of a school Fire Watch scheme, summer youth diversion activities and various initiatives aimed at reducing vehicle crime.

The campaigns and initiatives were also supported by events enabling practitioners to share expertise and explore new strategies.

What was the outcome?

A significant reduction in the amount and cost of fire was achieved:

  • Vehicle fires were down from 2,982 to 2,240. The cost was reduced from £14.5 million to just under £11 million.
  • Grass and rubbish fires were down from 14,345 to 9,357. The cost was reduced from £23.5 million to £15.5 million.
  • School fires were down from 30 to 17. The cost was reduced from £1.5 million to £665,000.
  • From April 2006 to the present, there have been only 9 school fires, at a cost of around £360,000.

The total savings are in excess of £13 million.

If actions were funded, how much was contributed and from what source?

Finanancial support came from the Welsh Assembly Government and the Joint Arson Group.

Contact details for further information

Name: Des Mason, Arson Reduction Officer.
Organisation: South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Tel: 01443 232441.
E-mail: d-mason@southwales-fire.gov.uk.