Doncaster fire service called out to over 1,000 deliberate fires last year

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue are asking the public to help them crack down on deliberate fires started - Doncaster has ranked top of the region for most fires started.
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The latest fire service campaign comes after firefighters were called out to 3945 deliberate fires across South Yorkshire last year.

Figures show that Doncaster was the worst hit area with 1116, followed by Rotherham with 1053, Barnsley with 989 and Sheffield with 787.

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“We’ve made great strides in terms of reducing house fires over the last ten years, but nearly 4000 deliberate fires in one year is 4000 too many, said Matt Gillatt, deputy head of the joint police and fire community safety team.

The new line has now launched.The new line has now launched.
The new line has now launched.

“We want to show people that we are taking this issue seriously and we also felt we needed to provide people a safe, anonymous route to report details of arson attacks to us.”

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A new fire line named Firestoppers has been launched.

This new line is in collaboration with Crimestoppers and allows members of the public to report fires anonymously.

“Other fire services across the country have successfully reduced deliberate fire setting by up to 20 per cent through this service, and we’re hoping it will have a positive impact here,” he continues.

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“Our ask of the public is simple - if you know anything about deliberate fire-setting in your area then please report it via the Firestoppers line and help us crack down on these fires.”

Firestoppers can be accessed by calling 0800 169 5558 or by clicking here.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.