Avon Fire and Rescue Service has tackled more than 54,000 fires since 2019, of which 12% were deliberate.
One well-known deliberately started fire took place in the early hours of a quiet Bristol morning in May 2023, when Underfall Yard, a bastion of maritime heritage on Bristol’s Floating Harbour, became a target of senseless destruction at the hands of a determined arsonist.
The arsonist responsible, Robert Boyd-Stevenson, was sentenced to life imprisonment, highlighting the devastating repercussions of deliberate fires and the lengths to which the justice system will go to ensure public safety.
However, this case is but one of thousands. An investigation has revealed a persistent and growing concern: deliberate fires, a scourge costing lives, history, and resources.
While total fire incidents in the UK have dropped by 22% in the last year, deliberate fires stubbornly persist, wasting valuable resources and putting lives in grave danger.
Since 2019, Avon Fire & Rescue has faced peaks and troughs, with the highest number of fires—over 12,000—recorded during 2020. These deliberate incidents range from minor refuse fires to large-scale arson attacks on derelict buildings and, alarmingly, cultural landmarks like Underfall Yard.
Deliberate fires do more than destroy property; they unearth emotional scars and ripple through communities. Residents of Bristol mourned the damage to Underfall Yard not merely for its physical loss but for its historical significance and the memories tied to it. This poignant loss underscores the broader consequences of arson: victims are often left homeless, emotionally scarred, or, in worst cases, seriously injured.
Despite arson being the leading cause of fires, its impacts often extend beyond immediate physical damage. Public Interest Lawyers, a group providing support to fire victims, highlights the psychological and emotional strain caused by these events. Their 24-hour helpline assists those navigating the aftermath of fire-related injuries and losses.
Fire authorities and legal bodies are ramping up their efforts. The life sentence handed down to the Underfall Yard arsonist is not only punitive but also a stern warning to would-be offenders.
Meanwhile, the fire services continue to educate communities about fire safety and the dangers of arson. Public awareness campaigns aim to reduce the incidents of deliberately set fires, which commonly involve fly-tipped waste, derelict buildings, and grasslands.