Cumbria County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, together with the Arson Prevention Forum, are calling on everyone to play their part in tackling fire-crime as part of Arson Awareness Week (21-27 March).
Arson accounts for almost half of all fires attended by fire and rescue services nationally and costs over £1 billion in fire-related insurance claims each year.
In 2014/15, 50 people died in fires that were started deliberately.
Mark Ducie, Community Safety Manager for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Arson can be devastating, putting lives in danger and destroying buildings as well as being a significant drain on fire and rescue resources.
"We would urge anyone witnessing a fire being started deliberately to report it to the police.”
Lee Howell, Chair of the Arson Prevention Forum, commented: “Lee Howell, Chairman of the Arson Prevention Forum said “Every year there are too many deliberate fires some of which result in serious injury as well as causing millions of pounds worth of damage to property.
"Arson is a crime and whilst arson activity is falling, it causes untold misery to those it affects.
"By working together, Police, Fire Services and Insurers aim to reduce the level of arson still further but we need individuals and businesses to be aware of the risks and do something about them”.
"The Forum brings together those with a responsibility or interest in reducing arson and challenges them to do more. We have seen progress, but there is still work to be done. This is where members of the public can help.”
If you see fire-setting or suspicious activity, you should report it to the Police.