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Arson reduction

Reducing the risk

The majority of deliberate fires in commercial and industrial premises are started in waste material left easily accessible to the arsonist.

• Waste material should not be allowed to accumulate anywhere on the premises, in yards or loading areas or at perimeter fences.
• Any waste should be stored in metal containers with lockable lids and should be located in areas inaccessible to vandals or arsonists ideally in a secure area.
• Skips should be emptied regularly and should be sited at a safe distance, ideally 8 metres from any building or at least far enough away so that any fire that is started in the skip can not spread to that building.
• Never leave pallets, plastic crates or trays in open yards adjacent to the premises, vandals and arsonists frequently use them to start fires.

Refuse skips and wheelie bins

• Place skips at least 8 metres from buildings.
• Ensure that rubbish is place in the skip and not left on the ground nearby.
• Waste packing and pallets should be removed as soon as possible.
• Full skips should be removed as soon as possible.
• Do not leave full skips over weekends or holiday periods.
• Do not block fire exits.
• Ensure skips are placed in a designated area.
• Do not store combustible waste within 2 metres of any perimeter fences.
• Fires in wheelie bins can spread to surrounding property.
• Do not overfill wheelie bins or place loose rubbish around them.
• Wheelie bins should only be put out when a collection is due.

Further advice is available from the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service: Fire Safety Advice: Arson reduction| .

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