A FIRE can be one of the most devastating and terrifying incidents for those caught up in it, which is why we have dedicated professionals to help us out when it takes hold.

Those professionals also work tirelessly to prevent fires happening in the first place.

Some of that work has seen a remarkable 80 per cent reduction in the number of arson incidents nationwide and in Essex since 2001.

But one statistic is bucking the trend- arson attacks on cars have risen by 34 per cent in Essex in the previous year.

Although it is a national trend, the Essex figure is more than twice as high as the national average, and dwarfs the rise in London of less than one per cent.

Neville Watson, councillor for Canvey Island Winter Gardens, said he is not surprised by the figures after several cars were burnt out on the island in the last few weeks- including a police car.

He said: “People are coming from elsewhere, seemingly to dispose of these cars.

“If it’s just a kid that’s gone for a joy ride they might just leave it.

“But people know about forensics now. If it’s a professional burnout, that has deeper reasons.

“I think it’s related to more serious crime.”

Dave Bill, assistant chief fire officer at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said he was baffled by the rise.

He said: “Our statistics show that the number of deliberate car fires has increased in the past year, June 15 – May 16.

“This is a national trend, and has not been attributed to a specific make or model of vehicle.

“Our data does not indicate a common trend or reason for the increase, but we will continue to monitor all incidents and take preventative action where possible.”

Mr Bill said some of that action will include continuing the hugely successful intervention Firebreak course and Juvenile Fire-Setters scheme carried out in schools across Essex.

He said: “We are really pleased to see the number of deliberate fires in Essex has reduced over the past 10 years.

“We believe the reduction is largely testament to our investment in prevention work.

“Our schools team visit 130,000 school children every year. They speak to the children to about how they can help to prevent the risk of fire at home and of what to do in the event of a fire.

“They also discuss the consequences of becoming involved with fire setting behaviours and hoax calls.

“Our Juvenile Fire-Setters scheme works to deter children from becoming involved with fire-setting behaviour.

“Our trained advisor offer help and guidance to young people up to 17 years old at their home or school. Since the launch of the scheme in 1997, we have engaged with thousands of children.”

Mr Bill said officers have also worked with businesses to help owners minimise the opportunities for others to commit arson.

He said: “However, what makes a tremendous in impact reducing fires and/or the impact of fires, is smoke alarm ownership. It is an aspiration of the fire service to have a working smoke alarm in every home in Essex as we believe this is vital in reducing the impact of fire to our communities and saving lives.”

Car attack statistics rocket

THE latest figures released by the Home Office show that the number of arson attacks on cars in Essex has rocketed in the last year despite an overall reduction in incidents.

Deliberate fires have fallen by 80 per cent in the county since the Home Office started collating the statistics for the Essex service in 2001.

The total stood at 2,484 in 2001/02, accounting for a massive 70 per cent of all blazes attended by the service.

Last year, there were 481 arson attacks countywide, equivalent to just 32 per cent of all fires.

But there were 280 arson attacks on cars in Essex last year, a 34 per cent increase compared with the previous year.

Nationally, there was a 15 per cent rise, but most of that was accounted for by the number of arson attacks on vehicles in Essex.

In Greater London, while there were 861 deliberate car fires last year, the figure represented a rise of just one per cent.

In the West Midlands, there was an 11 per cent rise, with 725 cars being deliberately set on fire last year.

Another of the UK’s largest counties, West Yorkshire, saw a 37 per cent increase, with 812 incidents compared with 590 the previous year.

Even though the latest increase is a worrying statistic, it is not nearly as bad as the 6,590 arson attacks on cars that took place back in 2001.