A RISE in arson incidents has led to “some of the most challenging working conditions for many years” for Bradford firefighters.

Between April and September there were a recorded 1,575 arson incidents in Bradford, compared to 1,292 in the same period the previous year.

Although the number of building arsons is down slightly compared to last year, the large rise is down to “secondary arsons” sich as deliberate grass fires and rubbish being set alight.

The grim figures show that the service is missing its targets for arson by 58.8 per cent, and its target for secondary arsons by almost 75 per cent.

At a meeting of West Yorkshire Fire Authority’s Community Safety Committee tomorrow, members will be told that the rise in arsons has stretched resources and led to challenging conditions for firefighters.

Over summer there were suspected arsons in the open across the district, including a fire on Baildon Bank and blazes on moorland and in woods.

Across West Yorkshire there has been 4,967 arson incidents in the five month period, compared to 4,024 in the same period the previous year. Incidents are up in all five districts.

Earlier this summer Chris Kirby, Area Manager for WYFRS told members of the fire authority that record high temperatures over the summer had led to ideal conditions for fire.

A report being presented to the committee says: “This year has brought about many challenges for the firefighters of Bradford, in the main, due to the long hot spells of weather we have experienced. The fire crews have done a fantastic job in what has been some of the most challenging working conditions for many years.

“There were 1,575 incidents recorded as deliberate during the reporting period. Both ‘primary’ arson fires (where property is destroyed) and ‘secondary’ arson fires (where no property is destroyed e.g. grass and rubbish fires on waste ground) are well above target for the period. The hot summer was a particular period of high activity and overall 74 per cent of the recorded arson incidents are secondary fires.

“It has put even more emphasis on the work we are doing around youth and community engagement with our partners in an attempt to reduce these incidents. Partnership events held throughout the year are aimed at young people and WYFRS give a presentation to young people on the consequences and impact of arson.”

There has been 54 fires in non-domestic buildings in five months, and the committee will be told the importance of securing such buildings. The report says: “Derelict properties can be a big target for arson and work is ongoing with the Local Authority to identify these properties and ensure the security of these premises is continually monitored.”