Officers investigating several fires on farmland in north Shropshire are issuing advice to farmers and landowners.
Since the end of August this year, there have been four suspected arson incidents on farmland in the north Shropshire area.
The most recent incident took place just before 4am on Tuesday 1 November on farmland in Wistanswick, Market Drayton. It’s believed that a barn and a field were set alight.
PC Nick Peacock from Market Drayton said: “Farms can be particularly vulnerable to arson. Due to their often isolated locations, open boundaries and readily ignitable hay and straw, it can make them an easy target.
“Arson is a serious criminal offence which can cause serious damage and risk lives. It can also cause huge financial implications for farmers as well as the enormous danger it can pose to people, livestock and neighbouring properties.
“These offences can also keep emergency services tied up for hours when they may be needed at another emergency elsewhere.
“West Mercia Police take incidents of arson extremely seriously. We have increased patrols in the area and are thoroughly investigating these offences.
“We would urge anyone thinking about starting a fire to think about the consequences before lighting a match.
“If anyone witnessed this incident or has seen any suspicious behaviour in the area, please call West Mercia Police on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.”
Farmers and landowners are being given the following advice:
– Hay and straw should be removed from fields as soon as possible after harvesting
– Petrol, diesel and other fuels should be stored in secure areas and storage tank outlets should be padlocked
– Rubbish should be disposed of safely and on a regular basis
– Maintain security of outbuildings and replace or re-site security and warning notices
– Fertilisers and pesticides should be kept under lock and key. The Health and Safety Executive can provide further advice on the storage and transportation of fertilisers
– Hay and straw should be stored separately from other buildings, particularly those housing fuels, agrochemicals and machinery in stacks of a reasonable size, spaced at least 10 metres apart separately from livestock housing
If a fire does take place:
– Call 999 immediately
– Send someone to the farm entrance to direct the fire service
– Prepare to evacuate any livestock, should the fire spread
– Prepare a fire routine and action plan and ensure that any farm workers know what to do in the event of a fire
– Only attempt to fight the fire if it is safe to do so