Arson - together we can help prevent it

Arson is deliberately setting fire to something or somewhere, whether it’s in a bin or a skip, a derelict building, or in open spaces such as the countryside or heathland.

Deliberately setting fire to something is not only a criminal offence, it can kill. Even small fires can spread very quickly and get out of control. 

 Arson destroys property, ruins landscapes and lives, but with your help, we can prevent it.

Where you might spot arson

Arsonists like easy targets, such as  

  • vacant, abandoned and derelict buildings
  • rubbish bins and skips
  • heathland
  • farms, including fields, barns and haystacks
  • other targets can include hospitality premises such as hotels, healthcare, industrial, retail, and education sites, are also targets for arsonists. 
Woman looking worried and holding phone

Reporting arson or suspicious activity

Arson is a crime. If you're a victim of arson, or see deliberate fire setting or any suspicious activity report it anonymously to: 

Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 

or call the Police on 101. 

Remember: if it's an emergency always call 999

Help prevent arson at your property

Secure your property...

  • reinforce entry points to your property such as doors and windows, fences and gates, ensuring they are securely locked and maintained to prevent unauthorised access
  • secure garages, sheds, fences, gates, and derelict buildings,
  • install and maintain security systems to provide surveillance and deter arsonists, such as CCTV systems, alarms, and motion-activated lighting
  • use safe storage practices including:
  • securely storing materials which can catch fire out of sight
  • promptly disposing of waste, such as bins and skips, to prevent waste building up
  • use fire-resistant letterboxes to minimise the risk of arson through these
  • maintain your property and regularly inspect and repair any damage
  • report any build-up of rubbish or illegally dumped waste, to your council's Environmental Health department
  • our business safety page offers helpful fire safety advice 
Flytipping in a country lane

Help prevent arson in public and other spaces

Reporting fly tipping (illegally dumped waste) and abandoned vehicles to your local council so that they can be quickly removed.

Educate children and young people

If you have children or young people

  • do not leave lighters or matches where children could reach them
  • make sure you are aware of your child's whereabouts and activities
  • educate your children about the dangers of playing with fire and the serious consequences of deliberately setting fires – including injury, death, and a criminal record

Fire safety intervention

Do you have or know of a child or young person who has an unhealthy interest in fire? 

Our Fire Safety Intervention Team are here to help by working with young people and offering them fire safety advice, education and mentoring. 

KFRS Fire Safety Intervention

If you see a fire ...

  • phone 999 immediately and get to a safe place
  • download What3Words on your phone and use it to help emergency services locate fires quicker

Together we can help to prevent arson