This Arson Awareness Week, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and the Arson Prevention Forum are calling on everyone to play their part in tackling fire crime.

’Arson accounts for almost half of all fires attended by the fire and rescue services and can have devastating effects in terms of its cost and consequences,’ says Lee Howell, the Forum’s Chairperson.

Insurers report that arson costs over £1bn in fire-related claims each year.

Lee said: ’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.’

Watch Manager Mark Pratten from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: ’Arson is a significant drain on our resources and can put lives in danger, destroy buildings and be devastating. Arson must be reported.  If you see anyone setting a fire deliberately, “don’t accept it, report it”.’

If you see fire-setting or suspicious activity, you should report it to the Police.

Help protect yourself, friends, family and others from the threat of arson by viewing more information at: www.cornwall.gov.uk/arsonprevention

Deliberate primary fires have fallen slightly over the past year in Cornwall and are approximately half the number experienced five years ago.

Cornwall has the joint lowest rate of this type of fire of any service in the South West.

There have been two deaths in Cornwall over the past three years due to deliberate primary fires.