Arson

Deliberate fires are the largest single cause of major fires in UK. Arson is a problem that leads to loss of life, injury and results in substantial and personal hardship.

In an average week in the UK arson results in ;

• 3,500 deliberately started fires
• 50 injuries. 2 deaths
• A cost to society of at least £25 million

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s Arson Task Force develops strategies to support and compliment work done by the fire service district managers and police partnership development officers within the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, which includes Wirral Council.

The Arson Task Force comprises; The Arson Task Force manager, seconded Police Officer, Fire Investigations dog and handler and five Arson Reduction Advocates. Wirral, as with other districts in Merseyside, has a representative Advocate who can tackle arson related problems by working on a local level with partner agencies and members of the community to;

• Prevent, deter, detect, divert and prosecute arsonists
• Target properties most at risk from deliberate fires
• Locate and resolve potential fire risks within the community
• Be a positive role model within the community