Fire officers have repeated warnings about the consequences of starting deliberate fires, following the sentencing of a boy who set fire to a bus in Rotherham.
The fire at Rotherham Interchange, Fredrick Street on 15 May 2016 was tackled by four fire engines plus a turntable ladder. It destroyed the bus and damaged the bus station, causing more than £1.8 million in damage.
The convicted youth, aged 17, but who was 15 when the offence was committed, had pleaded guilty to arson with reckless intent to endanger life. He was sentenced to a three year custodial sentence at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday (13 March).
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue fire investigator Simon Rodgers said: “This incident is further proof that people who start fires do get caught and do get convicted. Starting fires is reckless, can cause huge damage and distress to the local community and can cost lives. We work closely with our police partners to investigate deliberate fires and thank them for their perseverance in bringing about this conviction.”
If you know of someone starting fires in your area, you can report it to South Yorkshire Police 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.