ARSON! How can you protect your property?

Unfortunately, the number of fires that are started deliberately is increasing. In 2017-18 the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service attended nearly 1000 arson fires. Over the past 5 years, 6 people have been killed across Dorset and Wiltshire in arson attacks.

Arson is a greater threat to UK businesses than the risks posed by electrical hazards, heaters and smoking put together. It usually happens when the building is unoccupied, especially at night. Unless efficient fire detection systems are in place, the fire will be well advanced by the time it is noticed.

It is, perhaps, too optimistic to hope you can completely remove all risk of arson at your property, but there are several things you can do to reduce the risk.

• Make sure all the people who work in the building are aware of the need to be vigilant about anything that could make arson easy – they should report any suspicious behaviour and check out any unexpected visitors to the premises.

• Ensure those who lock up or have keys to the building are aware of their responsibilities to ensure the building is empty when they leave and that unauthorised individuals do not have access to keys or security codes. Remember to change codes if there is reason to believe security has been threatened, and limit the number of personnel who have keys.

• All windows should be kept locked when the premises is unoccupied and extra security (e.g. shutters) should be considered in higher-risk areas. Letterboxes can be fitted with a metal container on the inside of the door or wall. This helps to contain the fire. (Ask about our FireChief Anti-Arson Letterbox, which contains an automatic fire extinguisher)

• Lock away or remove all flammable materials on site – including rubbish – cardboard boxes make a lovely blaze! Keep rubbish bins in a locked storage area away from the building, particularly if you build up a large quantity of flammable waste between collections.

• Consider installing fencing around your property – this will make it harder for potential arsonists to access your building. At the same time, reduce the amount of vegetation adjacent to the building – dry plants burn well.

• Ensure your fire detection system covers all areas of the building and is working correctly. If possible, set the alarm up to call you, or even the fire brigade in the event of a fire. The chances of someone noticing the alarm sirens on an industrial unit on Saturday night are pretty remote!

• CCTV is also a good deterrent but is only really effective if it is monitored. Hindsight may be better than no sight, but it won’t save your property, even if it helps to convict the arsonist!
• Of course, sprinkler systems are ideal for fighting any fire as soon as it breaks out, even if the building is empty, but these are expensive – certainly consider them if you are upgrading your work premises, or if you are in a particularly high crime area.

You should think ahead to limit the damage in case the worst were to happen and you have a fire in your property. Back up all data regularly and store important material in a fireproof safe. CCTV footage may help to convict the arsonist or prove the cause of the fire. Your Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) will throw up any areas of concern, so keep it up to date. Your insurance company will want to be sure you have done all you can to prevent a fire.