"The consequences of a deliberately-started fire can be devastating.”

Martin Speed, district commander for West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, speaks of the impact of arson attacks on property. “People can lose their home or business, and it can also lead to loss of life.”

This serious crime is being successfully tackled in Bradford, with multi-agency work leading to a substantial drop in the number of incidents. Across the district, the number of property fires, or primary fires as they are known, started deliberately has fallen by almost 40 per cent over the past three years. In 2010 the number was 581, compared with 360 last year.

However, Martin warns against complacency. “That is still too many and vigilance is needed to ensure the figure continues to fall.”

Property can constitute buildings and vehicles including houses, business premises, garages and cars. The number of secondary fires not involving property, but open ground such as grass fires or rubbish fires – which can spread to property – have also fallen, from 2,097 to 1,401.

The results can to a large degree be attributed to the strength of partnership working across the district. Close liaison between the fire service, West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council is vital to tackling the issue.

“There has been a lot of proactive work, which is continuing,” says Martin. “And, of course, the public play a major role in helping us by reporting incidents.

“Most arson fires affecting houses and businesses are started outside and then spread to the house or other building. Often these fires are lit by opportunists lighting anything that is at hand – rubbish, packaging, waste left out in the open, the contents of skips and so on. By removing these combustible materials you will significantly reduce the risk.”

The Council’s work in moving waste from premises has contributed to the drop in the number of deliberate fires, as has raised awareness among the public. Bradford Council’s ‘one stop’ telephone service enables people to arrange collection of unwanted furniture, white goods and other items. Some collections are free, others attract a small charge.

“We advise that when storing items prior to removal to keep them away from the house, don’t leave them leaning against the building, under a window or in front of a door,” says Martin.

The fire service also targets its efforts surrounding key dates on the calendar such as Bonfire Night. “In the weeks leading up to November 5 we try to ensure that combustible materials are removed from the streets.”

Visits by fire officers to schools and businesses are important. “The general safety advice we give out includes arson,” says Martin. Firefighters give a talk to year five pupils at all schools across the district. They are old enough to understand the advice and young enough to be prepared to take it on board.

“We give general safety advice to them such as closing doors, making sure that mum and dad check smoke alarms, not to play with matches, as well as telling them about the dangers. Many children don’t realise how quickly a fire can spread.”

Youngsters are responsible for “spikes” in deliberate fires, at times such as summer holidays. Visits to schools and businesses can be requested.

Advice to firms includes not storing pallets and combustible waste against a building or beneath canopies, removing waste from the site regularly and securing buildings at the end of the day. With many firms a lot of stock arrives in cardboard boxes.

“If a storage bin is set alight it may not always penetrate doors and windows, but there is also the risk of smoke damage. A fire for a business can be devastating. It could put the firm out of business or disrupt it for months afterwards.“ Households are urged to think about safe storage of wheeled bins. “Common sense measures can drastically reduce the risk. It is taking little steps like this that can reduce the risk of arson. If we get a spate of attacks we will hand out leaflets to households and businesses in the area.”

Disused and abandoned buildings can be a target for deliberately-started fires. The fire service works with Bradford Council to trace owners and advise them on securing such premises.

Community and home safety work, involving property checks, has also contributed to the fall in the number of incidents. “We identify high-risk areas and speak to people about fire safety and prevention,” adds Martin.

To report any suspicious activity, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111; West Yorkshire Fire Service local arson task force on (01274) 385448; or Bradford Council’s collection service on (01274) 431000.