Number of arson incidents are flaring up

INCIDENTS of arson have rocketed across Kirklees over the past year with a 17.7% increase reported.

A report by West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service says it attended 982 incidents compared to the previous year where 877 incidents were recorded.

The report says: “Primary fires as a result of arson equates to 24 dwellings, 50 non-domestic properties and 123 vehicle fires. Primary arson fires make up just 22% of the total arson figure.

“The majority of arson incidents are secondary fires, which make up 78% of the total arson figure. Many are attributed to refuse.

“We continue to work with our partners to prevent anti-social fires and report instances of waste build-up and flytipping to the council.”

Primary fires are generally more serious fires that harm people or cause damage to non-derelict property, such as a building or vehicle.

Secondary fires are generally small outdoor fires, not involving people or property. These include refuse fires, grassland fires and fires in derelict buildings or abandoned vehicles.

The increase in arson cases has fuelled the total number of incidents attended across Kirklees.

The report says it “is 8.9% above the set target with 3,769 incidents attended over the year.

“This represents an increase compared to the previous year where we attended 3,578 incidents.

“The most significant factor was the large increase in arson incidents experienced over the first quarter of 2017/18.

“Kirklees District Team will continue to monitor trends and target resources based on intelligence and the variety of data sets/mapping systems to further reduce the activity over the coming year.”

Calderdale has seen arson incidents fall to their lowest ever level at 368 from 475.