Yorkshire’s fire services are joining forces in a massive drive to keep deliberate fires low this summer, after new figures reveal the huge cost of arson to the region.

More than 2,700 small fires, such as bin or grass fires, were deliberately started across Yorkshire & Humberside in July and August last year, costing an estimated £5.5 million to deal with.

The number of small, deliberate fires traditionally spikes during the school summer holiday period. So now all four Yorkshire and Humber Fire & Rescue services are working together to raise awareness of the drain these fires can place on resources, as well as the significant life risk they can become.

Arson reduction initiatives have had a massive impact on reducing the number of deliberate secondary fires, with almost 1,000 fewer incidents last summer, compared to the same period in 2007.

This year’s summer long campaign aims to continue to engage with young people on a one-to-one level, as well as educating parents and carers to notice the signs of firesetting.

Firefighters from South, West and North Yorkshire, and Humberside Fire & Rescue, will be putting on a range of activities and arson reduction initiatives at fire stations throughout the summer holidays, as well as going into schools and youth groups to teach children about the consequences of arson.

Parents are also being asked to look out for the tell-tale signs of fire setting and to contact their local fire service for advice if they suspect a young person might be involved in arson. Key things to look out for include:

• Small burn holes in carpets

• Charred paper in sinks or bins
• Matches or lighters in a child's bedroom, school bag or coat
•  An unusual fascination with fire
• Unexplained fires in the home

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s head of prevention and protection Phil Shillito, said: “Anti-social behaviour fires are a massive, costly problem for the whole of Yorkshire. Small fires, such as grass and bin fires, are not harmless fun. They can quickly escalate, threatening life and property, as well as diverting firefighting resources from potentially more serious incidents.

“Diversionary activities and one-to-one engagement with young people have a proven track record of reducing incidents, and we hope parents and young people help us to help them, by supporting the initiatives we are putting on this summer and reporting anyone believed to be responsible for arson in their area.”

If you have information about people stating fires call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.