Increased arson on buildings

building burning from arson attack

Businesses are being urged to make sure their premises are secure and offer no opportunities for arsonists.

West Yorkshire Fire Service has said that there has been a significant rise in the number of fires started deliberately in Bradford recently over the last year. The service is to adapt the way it works with other agencies, such as the council, to try to prevent arson attacks, but wants business to also play its part. With a relatively high number of unoccupied and disused buildings in the district (around 3,000 at any given time), the emergency services are restricted as to how quickly they can respond to arson attacks.

Companies and building owners are urged to ensure locks, including windows, are secure but also to take other measures as necessary. These may include moving bins away from the sides of buildings and closing gates/fencing.

Nearly half of the largest fires in West Yorkshire this year occurred in Bradford district; seven out of 16 incidents required at least six fire engines. Ongoing investigations include premises at Barkerend Road in Bradford, Lawkholme Lane in Keighley, and Fulton Street in Bradford.