Over 100 deliberate fires have been ignited across York during the last six months, prompting North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (NYFRS) and North Yorkshire Police to issue an urgent joint safety appeal.
The warning coincides with National Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week (29 June to 5 July 2026). Emergency services have identified key arson hotspots around the city, including Tang Hall, Clifton Backies, and St Nicks Nature Reserve and Environment Centre. Authorities warn that these intentional fires divert critical crews away from other life-threatening incidents as the school summer holidays approach.
Operation FireSafe Targets Hotspots
Launched in March last year, Operation FireSafe is a multi-agency initiative combining fire crews with the North Yorkshire Police Neighbourhood Policing Team to tackle deliberate fire-setting. The NYFRS Prevention Team is currently delivering targeted interventions with individuals involved in arson and working closely with local schools to highlight the dangers of fire-setting.
Acting Sergeant Ben Ambler, North Yorkshire Police:
Fire crews and Police units have been deployed to a number of deliberate fires across the City throughout the year, placing significant demand on resources. Starting a deliberate fire is extremely dangerous and it can endanger lives, destroy property and have devastating consequences for individuals, families and the wider community.
What may seem like a small fire, can quickly escalate and spread unpredictably, putting nearby homes, open spaces and responding emergency services at serious risk. Deliberate fire-setting is a criminal offence, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to identify those responsible and take robust action.
Watch Manager Sy Wray, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service:
Intentionally starting fires of this nature is against the law, and even a small fire can endanger lives, and have serious repercussions for the future in terms of employment prospects for individuals who have historical involvement with anti-social fire setting.
Fire spreads quickly and can be unpredictable. By working with partners, we aim to educate children and young adults about the dangers of fire, and for them to understand the potential wider consequences of their actions before somebody suffers serious harm either as a direct, or in-direct result of these incidents.
We are appealing to those who have parental responsibilities to explain the hazards, risks and devastating consequences setting fires can have.
Community Resources and Reporting
Parents, carers, and residents are urged to take proactive steps to keep York communities safe:
- Report Arson Anonymously: Members of the public can report information 100% anonymously to FireStoppers by calling 0800 169 5558 or by visiting firestoppersreport.co.uk. Powered by the independent charity Crimestoppers, this service automatically removes all phone numbers and IP addresses.
- Report Active Incidents: Always report active anti-social behaviour or deliberate fires directly to the Police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
- Youth Referrals: If you are concerned about a young person playing with fire, you can submit a confidential FireSafe referral directly on the NYFRS website.
- Home Safety Checks: NYFRS offers a free online home fire safety check on their website to help residents spot hazards and request a free physical home visit if eligible.
