Please note: This safety advice is offered as guidance only. If in doubt, Get out, Stay out and get the Fire and Rescue Service out!
The deliberate setting of fires can be a threat to life and property.
Protect your home from arson
- Secure boundaries; repair or block gaps in fences, walls, and hedges.
- Lock sheds, garages, outbuildings, gates, and all ground‑floor doors and windows.
- Install external lighting to deter intruders.
- Use a lockable letterbox cover to prevent flammable liquids being poured inside.
- Store flammable materials securely in suitable containers.
- Secure petrol garden machinery and gas BBQ bottles when not in use.
- Cut back trees and bushes to improve visibility around your property
Manage Your Refuge – Remove Fuel Sources
- Keep your escape routes out of your home free from clutter
- Clear rubbish from gardens, behind sheds, and side areas of the property.
- Store wheelie bins securely in a locked bin store, away from the property and preferably out of sight (bin locks are available if no secure store is used).
- Put bins out only on collection day and return them as soon as possible.
- Remove large items such as furniture, old vehicles, rubble, or renovation materials – contact your local council for advice and removal schemes
- https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/recycling-and-rubbish/what-to-do-with/request-a-bulky-waste-collection/
- https://www.telford.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/dispose-or-recycle-bulky-items/bulky-item-collections/
Keep Your Home & Vehicles Secure
- Park vehicles on your drive where possible, leaving a clear fire break from property walls, or in a secure, well‑lit location.
- If installing CCTV, ensure it only covers your property and boundaries, has no blind spots at access points, and records at least 4 megapixels / 1080p to support prosecution
- Install security lighting around your home with PIR infra red detection
Look Out for Your Neighbourhood
- Well‑lit areas are less likely to be targeted – report broken street lighting, fly‑tipping, or abandoned vehicles at https://www.fixmystreet.com/
- Report deliberately started fires to West Mercia Police here or call 101 (always call 999 and ask for the Fire Service if there is an active fire)
Make sure that everyone knows what action to take if there is a fire at your home.
If you have any information about someone deliberately starting fires call Crimestoppers Arson Alert on 0800 555 111 or online here
To contact the prevention team about arson prevention, please email firecrimeofficers@shropshirefire.gov.uk or call 01743 260200