Deliberately started fires are a serious threat to business premises and the community. It is a problem that effects all sections of the population and is not confined only to urban areas.
Arson in the countryside, be it an isolated rural farm or a business in the local market town, can be devastating, especially when you take into account the distances fire appliances may have to travel to reach the scene of the fire and the possibility of delayed calls to the fire service due to the remote nature of the fire.
When the public hears the word "arson" it often conjures up the idea of revenge, fraud, financial gain or ideology, but by far the biggest threat comes from vandalism. Those involved are generally children or adolescents who set fire to combustible material left easily accessible to them, for no reason other than a mindless urge to be destructive.
UK fire statistics indicate that of some 4000 fires each year in retail and distribution premises around 35% are malicious. There are many more small fires dealt with by staff that are mistakenly not reported to the Fire Service. A substantial number of these fires are deliberate.
Assessing the risk
By carrying out a risk assessment, addressing the vulnerable areas and adopting some simple measures, it is possible to substantially reduce the risk. Many risk reduction procedures involve little or no cost but are simply part of good management practice and will, of course, be welcomed by insurers. Set out below are some of the precautions that can be taken to protect your business.
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Reducing the risk
The majority of deliberate fires in commercial and industrial premises are started in waste material left easily accessible to the arsonist.
- Waste material should not be allowed to accumulate anywhere on the premises, in yards or loading areas or at perimeter fences.
- Any waste should be stored in metal containers with lockable lids and should be located in areas inaccessible to vandals or arsonists ideally in a secure area.
- Skips should be emptied regularly and should be sited at a safe distance, ideally 8 metres from any building or at least far enough away so that any fire that is started in the skip can not spread to that building.
- Never leave pallets, plastic crates or trays in open yards adjacent to the premises, vandals and arsonists frequently use them to start fires.
At closedown it is essential for a responsible person to check:
- External doors are locked
- Internal doors closed
- Windows closed and locked
- No unauthorised persons left on the premises
- No accumulation of waste or rubbish
- Alarms switched on
- Lights switched on as required
It is essential that when considering security and locking of doors and windows that any fire legislation applicable to the premises in respect to means of escape is not compromised. If you are in any doubt, contact your local fire safety officer who will be pleased to advise you.
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Vehicle Fires
65% of car fires are started deliberately to cover criminal activity, to make a fraudulent insurance claim or as an act of vandalism. One in 12 reported stolen vehicles will be set on fire. Many other vehicle fires break out simply due to lack of basic maintenance and can be prevented. Emphasis should be placed on security of vehicles and safe parking. Please report abandoned vehicles to the police. Most areas operate a vehicle removal scheme.
Safety check for vehicles
- Electrical - check wiring for signs of wear or damage.
- Petrol - routinely check all fuel lines for signs of wear.
- Welding - never use heat, naked flames or welding equipment near the fuel tank or fuel lines.
For further information visit The Arson Prevention Bureau, see related links below.
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Refuse skips and wheelie bins:
- Place skips at least 8 metres from buildings.
- Ensure that rubbish is place in the skip and not left on the ground nearby.
- Waste packing and pallets should be removed as soon as possible.
- Full skips should be removed as soon as possible.
- Do not leave full skips over weekends or holiday periods.
- Do not block fire exits.
- Ensure skips are placed in a designated area.
- Do not store combustible waste within 2 metres of any perimeter fences.
- Fires in wheelie bins can spread to surrounding property
- Do not overfill wheelie bins or place loose rubbish around them.
- Wheelie bins should only be put out when a collection is due.
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Private bonfires
Our advice is to attend an organised bonfire if possible.
- Bonfires should be built at least 18 metres from any buildings, trees, fences etc.
- They should be no more than 3 metres high for private events and should not be built under overhead cables.
- Do not use petrol or any other flammable liquid to start a bonfire.
- Always check inside the bonfire for animals and children who could be using it as a den.
Void properties
Void properties may be a magnet for youths, drug takers and homeless people who often light fires inside to keep warm, often leading to the property catching fire.
- Ensure that any void property notified to you is secured as soon as possible.
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