Arson

One in five of all arson attacks in the UK are on residential properties.

Every year there are around 15,500 arson attacks on homes killing 65 people and injuring a further 2000.

There are many different motives for arson. A home may be set on fire to cover criminal activity, because of local disagreement, revenge, for racial reasons, random reasons include children playing with fire and fires started by people with psychiatric disorders. More often the fire brigade are witnessing arson attacks due to family arguments and domestic violence situations.

Be Prepared

Where a house is otherwise secure the letterbox presents an easy way to introduce fire in to a property thereby effectively cutting off the main means of escape.

• Consideration should be given to either eliminating the need for a slot in the front door by fitting a box to the outside wall or installing a metal box inside the door to catch the mail.
• An arson fire is more likely to develop and spread quickly. Smoke detectors are one of the most important fire safety investments you can make. Fitting a smoke alarm will not stop an arson attack but will provide valuable extra time to escape.
• Once smoke detectors are fitted it is important to plan an escape from the home in the event of a fire, talk about it with the rest of the family and practice it.

Security

The best defence against an arson attack - as well as against burglary – is to have effective security. It does not have to be expensive. A few simple measures can reduce the risk of an arson attack on your home.

• Make sure that access is denied to flat roofs and the like, from which entry may be gained via first floor windows.
• Make sure that you have a strong front door and it is fitted with strong locks and a chain. Breaking a glass pane in the door should not allow a night-latch to be reached on the inside.
• Close all windows when you are out. Even small windows can allow a person to enter.
• Consider security lighting. Arsonists like to work in the dark. Security lighting can be a powerful deterrent.
• Never leave spare keys hidden under the doormat or elsewhere.
• Lock all doors, including garages and sheds, when you are out.
• Ensure there is no combustible material lying around for an arsonist.
• Don’t let rubbish accumulate and keep wheelie-bins away from the house.
• Keep all flammable liquids locked away.