THE number of arson attacks in Bradford district has dropped year-on-year, according to new statistics.

In 2014/15, there 1,670 maliciously-started blazes compared with 1,716 the previous year. In 2010/11, there were 2,636 arson attacks across the district.

District prevention manager for Bradford Tom Rhodes said: "We are slowly but surely winning the battle against arson in the Bradford district - but one arson attack is one too many.

"We tackle this issue from the grassroots up with prevention teams engaging with communities and young people to instil an understanding of the true danger of fire.

"In the last year firefighters have been called to over 1,000 deliberately set rubbish fires across the Bradford district which is an utter waste of our life-saving resources. Over 100 of these involved the setting alight of wheelie bins.

"We work closely alongside West Yorkshire Police to investigate arson and pursue prosecutions wherever possible. Arson really is a crime that hits at the heart of the community and we will not stop until it’s stamped out."

The figures also showed that there were two deaths in the district caused by deliberately-started fires, after two years without any. Nine people in the district have died as a result of arson attacks since 2010/11.

A total of 39 fires were started in dwellings, down from 61 the previous year, while fires in business premises dropped from 36 to 34.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service released the figures ahead of Arson Awareness Week, which starts on Sunday.

Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Blackwell, of Bradford district police, said: "Arson is an incredibly dangerous offence, as even small fires can pose a real risk particularly if they are near properties. It only takes seconds for a fire to spread, which can result in fatal consequences.

"Police work closely with partners in the fire service to investigate arson attacks and forensic techniques to detect the cause of these fires and gather evidence to identify those responsible have advanced greatly in recent years.

"Arson will not be tolerated in Bradford district and those convicted can expect to face serious consequences."

Yesterday, firefighters from Odsal station teamed up with police to warn pupils at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College about the dangers and consequences of arson.

It was as part of the Prison Me! No Way! (PMNW) educational roadshow.

School headteacher Richard Hughes said: "We have used PMNW for several years and every year we see it effectively help students understand issues of safety and responsibility. Supporting students to think through issues such as arson and petty crime is a vital part of the day."

Malcolm Parkes, of PMNW, added: "The whole day is aimed at the choices young people have to make. Young people today are exposed to so much through technology, social media and television.

"It is about them looking at their choices, decisions and actions and hopefully making them think before taking any of these. As after the day they understand the consequence of taking the wrong choice, decision or action."