Fire chief hits out at arsonists after spate of blazes in Halton
AFIRE service chief who works with the police has warned that blazes in derelict buildings can have devastating and unforeseen consequences after fires in abandoned properties in Halton.
Colin Heyes, arson reduction manager, said deliberate fires are linked to anti-social behaviour but have a ‘huge cost’ to society and can even kill if someone is inside.
He said derelict buildings can be tar- geted because they may be in secluded areas.
The Weekly News sought comment and insights from Cheshire’s fire and police services, Halton Borough Council and housing associations following blazes at Daresbury Hall near Runcorn and at The Albert Hotel pub in Widnes.
Other buildings to go up in smoke down the years include The Queens Hall, Widnes Recreation Centre, St Marie’s Amateur Rugby League Club.
The topic has also been mentioned in a recent Halton Council planning report, with a resident asking when Victoria House in Runcorn would suffer a blaze.
Mr Heyes, who is based at Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service headquarters and liaises with a seconded police officer, said: “The reality of arson is that it is closely linked to antisocial behaviour, the cost to society as a whole is huge.
“Arsonists can target disused buildings as they’re often located in lowpopulated areas and appear to present no risk of loss to life. “However, this isn’t the case. “There may be people in these buildings. Fire can be unpredictable and liable to spread.
“Fire started in a disused building can reach a nearby house, trees or woodland area devastating homes and wildlife, and even killing people.
“As a service, we take many measures to combat the problem of arson.
“We work very closely with Cheshire police to bring perpetrators to court.
“We also undertake a series of initiatives to reduce the incidence of antisocial behaviour – our ‘Respect’, ‘On The Streets’ and ‘Princes’ Trust Programs’ are just a few of the examples.
“Anyone with any information involving suspicious fires should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”