A fire started by youths last night in Knaresborough joins a list of numerous others in recent weeks.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the fire on Hay-a-Park Lane around 9pm last night.

The Knaresborough crew used a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire in the woods and gave advice to the the group.

This incident is amongst numerous others recorded in recent weeks. The fire service had already put out a plea on its social media recently in an attempt to combat the rise.

It asked parents and guardians to ensure they know what their children are up to now groups can meet outdoors.

The plea, later published of the fire service website, gave this advice:

“Please remind children that:

Deliberately starting fires is usually a criminal offence and even small fires can endanger lives

Fire spreads quickly and can be unpredictable

Playing with fire in the home or garden can have serious unintended consequences

Fires outside can easily get out of control and cause damage to woodland, moorland and wildlife.”

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The fire service says this issue is repeated every year around Easter as the evenings become lighter.

Earlier this month a picnic bench was set alight near the Pinewoods, the fire service also believed this was started deliberately.

Last year The Stray Ferret found the number of deliberate fires, in June, July and August, had actually halved from those in 2019.

The number of deliberate fires started across the Harrogate district has halved this summer compared to the same time last year.

Data from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has revealed there were 17 deliberate fires during June, July and August this year, down 50% from last year’s 35 recorded incidents.

However, the fire service has urged people to think about their actions, emphasising that the time spent dealing with a deliberate fire is taken from someone who may be in danger.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said:

“Over the last few months North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has attended a number of fires in the Harrogate district that are believed to have been started deliberately. While we are responding to these fires we are not available to respond to other emergencies.

“Starting fires is usually a criminal offence and can endanger lives. We’ve also been to a few campfires that have been left unattended or have spread. Please only light campfires in safe, designated areas and make sure they’re fully extinguished.”

Fires in woodlands and outdoor spaces are particularly dangerous. If left unattended or not extinguished properly, they can spread quickly.

The fire service believes some of the fires could have been started by young people. It has offered advice to parents to ensure that, as the summer holidays continue, children stay safe. It said:

• Fire spreads quickly and can be unpredictable.
• Playing with fire in the home or garden can have serious unintended consequences.
• Fires outside can easily get out of control and cause damage to woodland, moorland and wildlife.

Parents can get confidential advice by calling 0800 074 0064 or emailing safeguarding@northyorksfire.gov.uk.

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