Summer holidays arson warning

A PLAGUE of arson attacks during the school summer holidays has cost firefighters an estimated £1.2 million over the past three years.

Now South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue are launching a campaign of one-to-one meetings with young people in an attempt to clamp down on the problem, which has seen a huge chunk of the emergency service’s annual resources go up in flames.

Open days at the borough’s fire stations and an appeal to parents and carers to look out for the tell-tale signs of fire-setting form the first phase of its initiative.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s head of prevention and protection, Phil Shillito, said: “Anti-social behaviour fires are a massive, costly problem for the whole of South Yorkshire.

“Small fires, such as grass and bin fires, are not harmless fun. They can quickly escalate, threatening life and property, as well as diverting firefighting resources from potentially more serious incidents."

A spokesman added: “If you have information about people stating fires call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or, for more information about how to reduce the risk of arson in your area, visit www.syfire.gov.uk or call 0114 253 2353.”