Posted: Thursday 4 February 2021, 13:26
From 8 February 2021, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is launching FireStoppers, a scheme that allows people to anonymously report known information about deliberate fire setting.
Managed by the same charity that runs CrimeStoppers, FireStoppers, is an independent scheme focused on deliberate fires. It is accessed by calling a dedicated phone line where people with information can confidently leave details, knowing that their own identity will be protected.
Even small outdoor fires can be dangerous because they place an additional stress on our limited resources. Dealing with a deliberate nuisance fire affects our ability to respond to more serious incidents like house fires or road traffic accidents.
Station Manage Darren Perrott said: “In 2019/20 Firefighters responded to 874 deliberate fires across Derbyshire which not only tied up our resources, but also had a social and environmental impact on the communities affected by these deliberate acts.
“By providing an anonymous scheme where our communities can help us gather intelligence, we hope to see a positive impact on the number of deliberate fires we are called to attend in the future.”
Cllr Ged Potter, Chair of Derbyshire Crime Stoppers, added: “I’m delighted that Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is at the forefront of a scheme that will help make our city and county safer.
“I hope by working together in promoting the scheme we can reduce the number of deliberate fires and their impact across the county.”
Anyone with information about deliberate fires, no matter how big or small, can contact FireStoppers on 0800 169 5558 or via the website at firestoppersreport.co.uk in complete confidence.
The launch of FireStoppers coincides with a consultation being held by High Peak Borough Council regarding a proposal to introduce Public Space Protection Orders after several fires over the last two years in the Glossop area, the Goyt Valley and Bamford were believed to have been started deliberately, or have been linked to disposable barbecues. You can read more about the proposal to introduce a Public Space Protection Order and take part High Peak Borough Council’s consultation.