Posted on 30th Mar 2016 @ 11:16 PM

The number of incidents of deliberately started fires in 2013-14 fell by 8% compared to the previous year. In 2013-14 there were 21,900 incidents, compared to 23,700 in 2012-13. The data comes from the latest statistics on fire safety for the UK, which also showed that almost half of those fires (44%) were related to cars, vans and lorries.

The figures showed a fall in arson rates in every area except for fires started outdoors 55% of those offences started indoor related to non-residential buildings. A third of these were in garden sheds, garages, greenhouses or summer houses.

The cost of providing fire services continues to rise despite the fall in figures. According to the Association of British Insurers, more than £1bn a year is spent by business members of fire-related claims - and the fires in non-domestic buildings tend to result in a larger loss.

Preventing Incidents of Arson

Due to continued pressure on budgets in the public sector, it is critical to work with businesses to improve the effectiveness of fire prevention measures. The Arson Prevention Forum provides a platform where key agencies can work in partnership with businesses to reduce the impact of deliberately started fires.

Activity such as fire alarm installation and fire safety advice from companies such as RV Fire Systems are an important part of an arson prevention strategy. Also, fire and rescue services across the UK are being encouraged to share best=practice and procedures for information sharing with the police. This, coupled with DNA analysis and other forensic activity, can help to link offenders to incidents of arson, even when the fire has destroyed much of the potential evidence.

The Arson Prevention Forum are seeking in particular examples of data sharing from firefighters on the scene has resulting in a successful prosecution. They also wish to analyse the effectiveness of youth diversionary facilities, as some 50% of arson suspects are under 24.