Number of Dartford Heath fires falls this year (From This Is Local London)

Number of Dartford Heath fires falls this year

6:00am Saturday 29th September 2012 in News By Alan Woods

THE NUMBER of fires on Dartford Heath this summer has fallen significantly compared to the same period last year.

Firefighters were called to a total of 13 fires on the heath between May and August, compared to 22 in 2011.

Of the blazes this year, 11 were considered by Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) to be deliberate whereas the year before, 15 were started on purpose.

Accidental fire numbers also fell, from seven in 2011 to just two in 2012.

A KFRS spokeswoman said: “This is the lowest level of activity seen in this ward for five years, but there are still problem areas.

“Our firefighters spent time throughout the summer talking to young people, making sure they know if they’re caught starting fires, they face fines or several years in jail - possibly a life sentence if someone is killed as a result of their actions.”