Arsonists have struck nearly 3,200 times in Cumbria in the last five years.

Fire chiefs say they are putting lives in danger, with fire bugs targeting cars, homes, trees, grassland and rubbish.

Figures obtained by the News & Star, show that there were 3,187 suspected deliberate fires in the last five years, equating to 637 call outs each year.

Craig Drinkald, station manager in operational planning at the county’s fire service headquarters, said: “Arson attacks put lives at risk.

“If we are dealing with an arson then it means we are not available for life-threatening incidents in other areas.

“That’s not good in a county like Cumbria where the fire stations are spread out.

“If we are training and we get a call to attend an arson then we have to stop. They are unwelcome interruptions.”

The fire service was also called to attacks on property including bins, hedges, parks and caravans.


Craig Drinkald Mr Drinkald added: “If we send out a fire engine in Brampton or Longtown it costs hundreds of pounds and that’s money we haven’t got to spend on something else, like essential training.

"The majority of arsons we attend are caused by younger people putting themselves at risk.

“You can never be sure how a fire will develop so they could be at risk of harm.

“If we could find a way to stop people from doing them then we would.”

The fire service gives talks on safety in the community.

“We have worked on youth engagement to reduce these figures and we have,” added Mr Drinkald.

The fire service says calls have reduced in the last 10 years through factors such as education.