Death sentence (From Borehamwood Times)

Death sentence

3:47pm Thursday 17th June 2004 in News By Louise Compton

Sooner or later someone will be killed at the hands of arsonists who plague the area, it was feared this week following a spate of arson attacks.

People are not only at risk from arson attacks, seconds count when victims are trapped in fires or vehicles and if firefighters are dealing with incidents elswhere started by mindless vandals, lives could be lost.

Last weekend firefighters were called to tackle a series of blazes thought to have been started deliberately.

On Sunday arsonists set fire to a derelict building behind the Shell petrol station in Barnet Lane, and firefighters, whose resources were already stretched due to a serious incident in Watford, were rushed to the scene.

Borehamwood's fire chief Barry Pryke said that such attacks waste valuable time and ultimately lives could be lost.

"Luckily because the building was derelict no one was hurt but the situation could have been much more serious than it was, bearing in mind the building's proximity to other premises and the petrol station."

Over the weekend fires were also started deliberately in Borehamwood including a bin that was set on fire in Park Crescent and a hedge that had been set alight in Broughinge Road.

Government figures released this week reveal that over last year there has been a massive 40 per cent rise in arson attacks across the county.

And it has emerged that in reaction to the alarming statistics Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is set to receive a £124,000 cash boost to fund two anti-arson officers who will work to combat the antisocial behaviour that is blighting the county.

In recent years the area has seen a rise in arson attacks on cars and property during the summer months, and each such incident can cost the fire service up to £500.

Mr Pryke said that although he and his team had done a lot to drive down the amount of arson attacks, there was still work to be done.

"I don't think these people realise how dangerous arson attacks are, especially in such hot weather.

"They can cause no end of damage and it goes without saying that deliberately starting fires is a complete waste of our time when we could be attending a more serious incident," he said.

A spokesman for Hertfordshire Police said the force will be working closely with the fire service in a bid to wipe out the increasingly frequent attacks which are commonly perpetrated by youths.

Police agencies such as the Nuisance Youths office and Youth Offending Team are expected to be involved.