Arson attacks are costing us millions, says fire service

The county’s fire and rescue service, which is managed by the county council, had to fork out an estimated £21,830,084 to attend and manage deliberately-started fires - around half of which were rubbish or bin fires, mostly at derelict buildings and skips.

Last year, there were more than 1,249 arson attacks across the county.

The service’s arson reduction manager Ian Tonner said: “Deliberate fire setting is not only dangerous for the individual involved, but it can devastate communities, schools and businesses.

“In the worst cases, lives can be lost.

“Ultimately, our priority is to keep the public and our firefighters safe and reducing arson and anti-social behaviour plays a big part in how we achieve that. We also need to support businesses to stay in business during this economic downturn, by educating them on how to reduce the risks of arson attacks on their premises.”

For such advice, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ warksfirerescue