Arson Attack in York prompts warning

Date:   15^th July 2008

Following an arson attack on a health centre in York in the early hours of this morning, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind people of some of the measures that can be taken to stop their businesses being targeted by arsonists.advertisement

Deal with the waste and rubbish threat

• No packaging, waste or rubbish should be left to accumulate anywhere on the premises or immediately outside.
• Packaging, waste and rubbish should be removed regularly to a safe storage area.
• Safe storage means metal bins with closed lids; ideally these bins would be locked away in their own compartment.
• Arrange regular/frequent collection of refuse/waste by a local authority or contractor.

Make the premises as arson proof as possible

• Without blocking fire exits, limit as far as possible the number of entrances in use.
• Keep an eye on what is going on. It pays in larger establishments to have a security guard on duty at main entrances. In smaller businesses you and your staff should exercise vigilance.
• As part of staff training, remind all employees of the arson threat and advise them to report suspicious behaviour.
• Ensure that doors and windows are in good repair and that locks are working.
• Gaps under doors to the street should be as narrow as possible - this will prevent items such as lighted paper being pushed under them.
• If there is a letter-box, it should have a metal container fitted on the inside of the building. (This should contain any fires from lighted rags or paper).
• Keep a list of people holding keys to the premises, and chase any that are missing.
• Special danger areas are storages and warehousing. There should be a rule that access is only available to authorised members of staff.
• Is there a system - or should there be - for leaving lights on at night?

Group Manager Dave Dryburgh says: "In this instance, luckily there was no-one in the building at the time of the attack. Fire crews were able to bring the fire under control quickly and because staff had followed their fire precautions inside the building by keeping fire doors closed, it was contained to one room.

"Arson attacks are taken very seriously and can lead to custodial sentences for those involved so we would urge people to stop and think about the consequences of their actions. Fires caused massive damage to property, and potentially put people's lives at risk including their own.

"We also urge businesses to remain vigilant and follow the steps we've highlighted to help reduce the threat of arson. In particular, bins should be stored well clear of buildings in secured compounds if possible."

If you would like free advice on the security of your premises, contact your local fire safety office, visit http://www.northyorksfire.gov.uk/ or call the Fire Safety Advice Line 01609 788545.

If you have any information about a suspicious fire, call Crimestoppers Arson Alert. The Arson Alert number is 0800 555 111 - calls are free, callers do not have to give their name and callers may receive an award.

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