Barrow sees 'significant rise' in number of serious fires

Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service is working alongside Cumbria Police to investigate the ‘large spike’ in fires in the Barrow area.

Watch Manager Simon Rodger is working closely with Barrow’s station manager Paul Milburn to help combat the rise in incidents.

He said: “Barrow has seen a large increase in the number of serious fires, more than anywhere else in the county.

“We’ve seen a significant rise in the number of fires just in the last few months, particularly house fires. There has also been an increase in the number of small nuisance fires like wheelie bins, small structures and outdoor woodland fires.

Simon Rodger, watch manager at Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service.jpg (Image: NQ)

“All fires – no matter how big or small – are now being reported to the police because we’ve seen such a spike in Barrow. Everything will be investigated to catch those responsible.

“We don’t know why we’re seeing a rise in deliberate fires in Barrow – it could be the cost-of-living crisis or chance, we don’t know.”

READ MORE: Police and fire at scene of fire at Storey Square, Barrow

On Friday June 2, three people were taken to hospital after a house fire broke out in Storey Square. A large-scale emergency response to the incident included two air ambulances.

 A 57-year-old man, who was treated for minor injuries, was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

Just weeks later - on Thursday June 22 - a large fire broke out in Salthouse Road which left 13 houses uninhabitable. A 30-year-old man from Barrow was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

READ MORE: Man arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life

Mr Rodger said: “The Salthouse Road fire in particular could have easily resulted in the loss of life. If the fire had happened at night, it could have been tragic. Most house fires happen at night – luckily this didn’t happen.”

The fire chief has issued a warning to those considering starting a deliberate blaze.

“If someone is caught starting a fire, the repercussions can be life-changing,” he said.

A fire broke out in Salthouse Road, Barrow last month (Image: Submitted)

“Arson goes on your goes criminal record and you will have issues getting a job in the future. This could follow you around for the rest of your life. It’s not worth it. We only have so many resources in Cumbria and if you’re starting a deliberate fire, be aware you’re taking away resources from a serious incident.”

Smaller incidents such as wheelie bin fires and woodland blazes are also creating a strain on Barrow’s resources, said Mr Rodger.

Last month firefighters were called to two deliberate fires in Walney and Hindpool within 45 minutes of each other.

READ MORE: Fire crews called to two deliberate fires within 45 minutes in Barrow

Youths had set fire to grasslands and bushes which fire crews were able to contain.

Mr Rodger said: “People need to understand that Barrow only has a certain amount of resources to cope with incidents. Small deliberate incidents have a huge knock-on effect on the far larger incidents. And people don’t realise how quickly these types of fire can spread.

A fire in Storey Square last month (Image: NQ)

“If we get called out, there’s nothing in the area to respond to the more serious incidents so we’re trying to drive down those smaller incidents such as wheelie bin and grass fires. Please only leave your bins out on collection days to prevent this type of behaviour from occurring.

“We’re really trying to bring the number of deliberate fires down by engaging with the community, going into schools and talking to younger people before the summer holidays which is when we usually see a spike.”

If you have any information regarding arson attacks contact 101 or call 999 to report any ongoing incidents.