Fire crews were called out to a derelict building in the centre of Harrogate today.
It happened at a house at the junction of Strawberry Dale and Woodbine Terrace.
The fire was reported to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service at 4.50pm. They found it in an outbuilding which contained rubbish, though the cause was not identified.
Firefighters from Harrogate and Knaresborough put it out using a hose, and used breathing apparatus for comfort while on site.
Drop in number of deliberate fires across Harrogate districtThe 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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- Rural crime costs North Yorkshire millions each year.
Fire damages Pateley Bridge art shop
A fire damaged HSC Fine Arts and Antiques in Pateley Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
Nobody was in the building at the time of the fire and firefighters safely extinguished it by the evening. The holiday flat above the shop was also empty.
According to owner David Hinchcliffe, who also owns Artful Arts in Pateley Bridge, the fire was started by a light fitting which failed.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“These things happen. We’ve spent the whole of lockdown renovating our other shop so thank goodness it wasn’t that one.
“At least we didn’t lose much and nobody was hurt.”
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The shop specialises in 18th-century antique prints and Mr Hinchcliffe said most of the artwork was covered which has protected it from smoke damage.
He added:
“We’ll have it up and running again before long.”