Fire service calls on new weapon in battle against arson
DERBYSHIRE Fire and Rescue is using a new weapon in the battle against arsonists in the county which saw more than 800 deliberate fires started in 2019/20.
The Firestoppers helpline will allow people to anonymously report known information about deliberate fire starting.
Managed by the same charity which runs Crimestoppers, Firestoppers is an independent scheme focused on deliberate fires.
It is accessed by calling 0800
169 5558 where people with information can confidently leave details, knowing that their own identity will be protected. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue have said that even small outdoor fires can be dangerous because “they place an additional stress on our limited resources.”
Station Manager Darren Perrott said: “In 2019/20, firefighters responded to 874 deliberate fires across Derbyshire which not only tied up our resources, but also had a social and environmental impact on the communities affected by these deliberate acts.
“By providing an anonymous scheme where our communities can help us gather intelligence, we hope to see a positive impact on the number of deliberate fires we are called to attend in the future.”
Councillor Ged Potter, chair of Derbyshire Crimestoppers, added: “I’m delighted that Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is at the forefront of a scheme that will help make our city and county safer.
“I hope by working together in promoting the scheme we can reduce the number of deliberate fires and their impact across the county.”
The launch of Firestoppers coincides with a consultation being held by High Peak Borough Council regarding a proposal to introduce Public Space Protection Orders.
This comes after several fires over the last two years that were believed to have been started deliberately, or have been linked to disposable barbecues.
Anyone with information about deliberate fires, no matter how big or small, can contact Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558 or via the website at firestoppersreport. co.uk in complete confidence.