Spate of deliberate blazes diverts crews
FIREFIGHTERS are concerned about a recent spate of fires in Runcorn that they believe have been started deliberately.
Coinciding with the current spell of hot weather, there were eight fires in the town on Tuesday, June 26 that are believed to have been arson, and five on Wednesday, June 27.
The predominantly grass fires occurred in the Hallwood Park, Halton Lea, Halton Brook, Halton Lodge, Runcorn Hill, Windmill Hill and Runcorn Old Town areas.
While they were not large fires, Cheshire Fire And Rescue warned that such incidents can lead to larger, potentially lifethreatening blazes and they also take vital resources away from other incidents.
Runcorn station manager Stuart Devereux said: “Fire spreads quickly, so what may seem like a small fire can easily become out of control and put properties and lives at risk.
“Small fires that are started deliberately also tie up resources, meaning that it will take longer for our crews to respond to actual emergencies, such as house fires, because they are attending these delib- erately set fires.
“The fires we have attended in Windmill Hill and Runcorn Hill Nature Reserve also tend to be deep seated, meaning that we have to dig relatively deep to put them out, and this impacts NEW YORK £1,095 FITTED WITH 4.2 KW GASFIRE STOVE PACKAGES FROM £1,895 FULLY FITTED 900 SUITE, SUITABLE FOR PRECAST FLUES - £1,600 + FITTED FREE upon the wildlife in the area.
“Such fires damage the environment as well as produce smoke that blows across roadways and makes it difficult for motorists to see.
“We are concerned by the NEW MARBLE ELECTRIC SUITE FITTED FREE Choice of 4 full marble fireplaces ONLY £799 FULLY FITTED MANAGERS SPECIAL Marble Fireplace and Gas Fire, includes remote control Was £1,699 ONLY £1,299 ● number of suspected arson incidents we have experienced in Runcorn this week and urge those responsible to stop starting fires deliberately.
“A fire can start anywhere and it could be your family or friends that we are delayed in getting to because we have to put out a fire that has been started deliberately.
“We will actively pursue anyone found to be setting fires deliberately and involve the police.”
In the event of a fire call Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service on 999.
Anyone with information about a fire that was started deliberately should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Residents are also asked to report any arson incidents to Cheshire police on 101 or via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries