Norfolk sees sharp rise in deliberately started fires
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 15:00 · Archive
Norfolk firefighters attended 836 deliberately started fires in 2025/26, up from 661 the previous year.
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service attended 836 deliberately started fires in 2025/26, up from 661 the previous year, according to figures published by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. Secondary fires, which include blazes in grassland, rubbish and derelict buildings, jumped 38 per cent to 1,144.
Despite the increase, Norfolk's rate of deliberate fires remains below the national average at 88.4 per 100,000 people, compared with 121.6 across England. Inspectors rated Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service good in eight out of ten areas and found it had 'suitable and effective' programmes to tackle fire-setting, including specialist work with homeless people and young people at risk of exploitation.
Among the largest deliberate fires in recent years was a blaze at the former Van-Dal shoe factory in Norwich in January 2025, which required seventeen fire crews. Norfolk Constabulary launched an arson investigation into the incident. Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said it had 'targeted intervention programmes working with fire setters, and dedicated teams committed to reducing arson incidents in the county'.
How it is being reported
- Sharp rise in deliberate fires as Norfolk crews tackle hundreds of blazesFirefighters in Norfolk have battled a surge in deliberately started blazes, with crews attending 836 in 2025/26, up from 661 the year before.Eastern Daily Press · 3 Nov, 14:29
- Sharp rise in deliberate fires as Norfolk crews tackle hundreds of blazesFirefighters in Norfolk have battled a surge in deliberately started blazes, with crews attending 836 in 2025/26, up from 661 the year before.Norwich Evening News · 3 Nov, 14:29
In this story: Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service · Norfolk Constabulary · His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services · Norfolk · Norwich · England · Van-Dal
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