Firefighters are warning children that they are putting lives at risk by starting fires deliberately, as crews across County Durham and Darlington tackle more than 1,000 blazes in just six months.
The warning from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) comes ahead of Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week (June 29 to July 5, 2026) and at a time when there is an increased risk of wildfires due to warm and dry conditions.
The Service says it has attended 1,043 deliberate fires between January and June 2026, and a total of 3,103 deliberate fires from January to December 2025, with crews repeatedly called out to arsons in the same locations.
Station Manager Billy McAloon said: “During the school holidays and when the weather is nice, we typically see a spike in the number of deliberate incidents we attend.
“We want to remind young people and members of the public that setting fire to things like grass or bins is not a game.
"What may start as a moment of mischief can quickly escalate into a serious incident, putting lives, homes, businesses and the environment at risk."
“When firefighters are called to extinguish preventable fires, it can delay their ability to respond to other emergencies, including house fires, road traffic collisions and incidents where lives may be at immediate risk.”
Firefighters have visited more than 70 schools across the Service area so far this year to talk about the dangers of arson as part of their prevention work.
Crews have also been working with partners and police to carry out walkabouts in hotspot areas for deliberate fires.
Meanwhile, firefighters in Darlington are teaming up with Darlington Borough Council and Durham Constabulary during ASB Awareness Week to give residents the chance to discuss their ASB concerns.
Residents can meet crews at Darlington Fire Station on Monday, June 29 from 1pm to 3pm and at South Park on Wednesday, July 1, from 10am to 12pm.
Station Manager McAloon said: “We are encouraging parents and families to talk to their children and young people about the dangers and serious consequences of setting deliberate fires.
“We want to stress that arson is a crime that can result in prosecution and may have lasting implications for future education and employment opportunities.”
Anyone with information on deliberate fires in their area can report it anonymously by calling FireStoppers on 0800 169 5558 or by visiting www.firestoppersreport.co.uk
Partner comments
Superintendent Dean Haythornthwaite, head of neighbourhood policing for Durham Constabulary said: “Everyone has a right to feel safe in their community and tackling antisocial behaviour remains a priority for Durham Constabulary.
“We understand the impact antisocial behaviour can have on communities and are committed to responding where concerns are raised. Through initiatives such as Operation Pave, officers have carried out an additional 14,000 hours of high-visibility patrols in the last year, targeting hotspots, providing a visible, reassuring presence, and enabling officers to respond swiftly to emerging issues.
“As the schools break up for the summer holidays, we would urge parents and guardians to know where your children are, who they’re with, and what they’re doing – you have a responsibility to ensure they don’t become involved in situations which could cause disruption or distress to others.
“We also encourage residents to attend local PACT meetings and to report antisocial behaviour to us directly, rather than assume someone else has already done so. Make the call and help us tackle the issues in your community.”
Councillor Jim Garner, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “Partnership working is key to tackling issues like deliberate fires, which is why we’re proud to be joining the fire service and police during ASB Awareness Week.
“These events give residents the chance to speak directly about their concerns and be part of the solution.
“By working together as a community, we can help prevent this dangerous behaviour and keep Darlington safe.”
David Gray, Durham County Council’s health and safety compliance manager, said: “What may seem like a bit of fun or a harmless game, can quickly put lives at risk.
“It’s important that young people are aware of the dangers of setting fires, no matter how small they may be.
“During this hot and dry weather, these can quickly spiral out of control and lead to serious incidents.
“It’s key that parents and carers talk to children and young people about the consequences these actions can have.”
Caption: Firefighters in Darlington.
