Appeal for Witnesses

Good Afternoon,

What may seem like a small fire can quickly develop into a significant incident 🔥 ❌ 

Emergency services were called to reports of a fire on farmland off Bullamoor Road, Northallerton at around 3.30pm yesterday (3 August).

The fire, which consisted of multiple hay bales, was brought safely under control by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service at around 7pm. Nearby roads that were closed due to the volume of smoke were reopened after.

A 13-year-old boy from the local area is assisting officers with their enquiries.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Rory Sadler, of North Yorkshire Police, said:

"Arson is a serious criminal offence that puts lives at risk and can have a devastating impact on people, communities and the environment.

"What may seem like a small or harmless act can quickly develop into a significant incident, causing extensive damage, threatening lives and placing considerable demand on emergency services. With the current warm and dry conditions, even a minor fire can spread rapidly and lead to serious consequences.

"We encourage parents, carers and young people to recognise these risks and to have open conversations about the dangers and potential consequences of deliberately setting fires in open spaces.

"We take a problem-solving approach to this issue and will continue working closely with our partners, including the fire service and Hambleton Community Safety Hub, to raise awareness among young people about the risks and consequences of deliberate fires during the summer school holidays and beyond."

If anyone is worried about a young person playing with fire, they can complete a FireSafe referral on the North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service’s website.

Always report acts of deliberate fire-setting in your community. If there is an immediate risk to life or property, call 999.

For non-emergencies, contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is also encouraging people to use FireStoppers if they have information about deliberate fire-setting but do not want to speak directly to the emergency services.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is an official FireStoppers partner. The national initiative, powered by the independent charity Crimestoppers, provides a 100% anonymous way for the public to report information about:

• deliberate fire-setting and arson

• attacks on firefighters

• fire safety concerns

• hoarding risks

• fly-tipping

All identifying information, such as phone numbers and IP addresses, is removed before reports are shared with relevant fire and rescue services. This means the person providing information remains completely anonymous.

You can call FireStoppers on 0800 169 5558 or visit firestoppersreport.co.uk.

Speaking up really can help keep you and your community safe, and you will stay 100% anonymous.

Reference: 12260149442