Arson surge prompts summer alert

Almost 200 arson attacks in just four weeks have prompted Leicestershire Fire and Rescue to issue a warning.

It is thought the main culprits are children who are bored during the long summer holiday and often start fires in parks or disused buildings.

Fire crews have said the attacks not only caused a lot of damage and wasted their time but also risked the safety of those nearby.

They now have a van dedicated to working in high-risk areas.

Explosion scare

The fire service recorded 197 incidents between 16 July and 19 August - up from 158 in the same period last year.

Senior officers said a number of major fires - while not arson themselves - had stretched the service and deliberate fires were pushing them to the limit.

Paul Dickens from the fire service's Arson Task Force said: "The first thing is that it is a huge risk for the children and the fire crews.

"In one recent incident an aerosol exploded and almost cost a firefighter his eye.

"It is also a tremendous waste of resources - 70% of our calls are to deliberate fires."

The Arson Task Force van is equipped with CCTV and warning signs.

It is also used in education programmes to show children the risks of arson.

Advertisement

Firefighters say they waste time putting out fires started by children