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30 August 2007
Landlords across the Wakefield district are being urged to keep properties secure and clear of rubbish to halt the rising number of deliberate fires.
The Wakefield area has had a particular high number of fires (17) in unoccupied and derelict buildings so far this year, having surpassed the previous year’s total of 14 already. Hemsworth has the highest number by far at 34 so far this period.
Steve Dobson, Wakefield District Manager for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Housing and commercial properties left empty are particularly vulnerable to arson attack, which is a serious problem we are trying to tackle in Wakefield at the moment. Any property left empty for a length of time should be made secure.
“Landlords should also avoid leaving combustibles outside properties, such as skips and piles of rubbish. This applies to any residents, as rubbish acts as fuel for arsonists.
“While our fire crews are dealing with these fires, it is taking them away from other, life-threatening incidents.”
From April 2007 to the end of July, Wakefield has had 17 fires in unoccupied and derelict buildings. There were 14 from April 2006 to April 2007 and 18 in the period 2005/06.
Hemsworth has experienced 34 fires in unoccupied and derelict properties between April this year to the end of July. There were 35 in the period 2006/07 and 25 2005/06
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For further information contact Kelly Thornham in the Media and PR unit on 01274 655807.