East Sussex: Two Overnight Blazes Bring Arson Warning

In the early hours of this morning (July 8th), firefighters in East Sussex were called to the second of two blazes in two days, both in derelict buildings.

Crews went to Hundred Acre Lane, Wivesfield where the first floor and the roof of a derelict farmhouse were well alight.

At the height of the incident, eight fire engines were present, with a command support team and a water carrier.

Police also attended, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is to begin.

But the previous night, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were also at a fire, also in derelict buildings.

They were called at 03:43 on July 8 to Norlington Lane, Ringmer.

Two semi-detached derelict buildings were well alight.

Crews with two fire engines fought the flames.

An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Spokesperson said:

"Arson and deliberate fires are a problem for the Fire Service, the Police and the Ambulance Service.

"They endanger lives and divert valuable resources.

Arson often starts with a fascination for fire and progresses to lighting small fires but this can quickly escalate onto skips, cars, derelict properties and most disturbingly people's homes."

In a move to help prevent arson, firefighters have given this advice to people responsible for unattended property:

Rubbish is a ready source of fuel for an arsonist, so fires involving rubbish can quickly spread to nearby homes and buildings putting lives at risk.

• Only put rubbish and recycling containers out on collection days.
• If you miss a collection contact your local council to report it.
• Never store rubbish or anything that can catch alight, in corridors, stairwells or escape routes.
• Keep communal bin stores secure and well lit.
• Store recycling containers a safe distance from buildings.
• Don’t overload skips and get them removed when full.

Good security measures include making sure your property is secure, including any derelict buildings.

• Keep entry points to buildings secure, including sheds or garages, perimeter walls, fencing and gates.
• Board up and secure unused or derelict buildings.
• Prevent intruders and trespassing by making sure perimeters and buildings are well maintained and any damage is repaired as soon as possible.
• Consider installing security systems such as CCTV, alarms and security lighting.
• Keep any flammable substances stored safely and securely, not left in the open.
• Consider fitting a fire reduction letterbox.

On the streets, dumped rubbish and abandoned vehicles are common targets for arsonists, and should be reported to local councils.

• Additionally, abandoned vehicles could cause damage to the environment from oil spills and the toxic smoke produced in a fire.
• Water used during fire fighting may also become polluted and affect sub-soils and water drainage systems

Children who play with fire are an increasing problem, firefighters claimed.

• Very often, the child's fire play begins from curiosity.
• However, in some cases, the problem may be more deep-rooted.
• The child may turn to fire to vent their feelings of frustration, anger or jealousy.
• It may also be a very graphic cry for help with a specific but unspoken problem.