Sheffield neighbourhoods 'in fear' over wave of fires as hot dry weather fuels flames in city
Fires are continuing to break out across Sheffield as hot, dry, weather continues
A Sheffield arson victim says residents are living in fear of fires after a recent spate of blazes across Sheffield.
Callum Shepley saw his garden fence set alight in Shiregreen, Sheffield, before concerned neighbours put the flames out, and said the community is worried about the perceived large number of fires breaking out there and across the city.
His concerns were voiced after a recent blaze at the famous Shiregreen Working Men’s Club, which was a venue used in the hit 1997 film The Full Monty.
The cause is under investigation but the blaze is being treated as suspected arson.
Mr Shepley said: “Everyone is terrified about the fires in Shiregreen. I do a lot of work in Burngreave, and it is a big issue there too.
“I just want some clear communication from law enforcement.
“The fires are a massive issue right now and it feels like the police are trying to stay as silent as possible on it. Leaving residents of the city to speculate and fear going to sleep at night.”
He added: “People are scared, the police seemingly threw out their investigation into my fire within days, and they don't seem to be taking enough action on what's happening.”
South Yorkshire Police confirmed the force is responding to an increase in fires during the current spell of hot, dry weather, with those including the arson attack outside Mr Shepley’s property.
The force said: “It is reported that some grass near to a property had been set on fire before being put out by another resident.
“Officers launched an investigation into an incident of arson not endangering life and carried out house-to-house enquiries and CCTV trawls of the local area.
“After exploring all available lines of enquiry, this investigation has been filed pending any further information or investigative opportunities coming to light.”
They said if anyone has information, they can report it online or by calling 101, quoting investigation number 14/133585/26.
His concerns come as South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service announced it is cancelling all its community events planned for this weekend because of the pressure on its crews due to the number of blazes that the city is seeing.
Councillor Mustafa Ahmed, who represents the Burngreave ward on Sheffield Council, said he is aware of fears within the community.
Fires in his ward have included a large grass fire near Wincobank last month.
He is concerned that lives could be lost because of deliberately set fires in the area and says he has been in touch with both the police and council officials. He is aware of Mr Shepley’s incident and has spoken to him too.
He said: “I think the whole city is scared. I have had messages from people all over the city about this. I’m aware of around 10 fires in Burngreave recently.
“Police need evidence to act though. I would like to see them out patrolling the parks. The fire brigade are doing a great job, but something needs to be done about anti-social behaviour.”
He is also concerned that some people are even using fireworks, and is appealing for shops to avoid selling them or anything else that may cause fires during this hot spell.
Police say that like many other areas of the country, officers in the Shiregreen area have recently been responding to an increase in fires that are thought to be partly linked to the warmer weather.
Officers fully explore all available lines of enquiry when investigating a fire that is believed to have been started deliberately, according to the force.
In one incident in the early hours of July 23, a man was arrested after a fire started in fields damaged nearby homes.
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The 59-year-old was held on suspicion of criminal damage and arson over the incident, which affected at least five properties, with one home left in ruins. Several houses were evacuated and two men were injured
No other high profile arrests have yet been announced.
Coun Ahmed has issued an appeal to the public over the current situation in the city.
He said: “Across our parks and open spaces, grass that is normally green is turning yellow and becoming very dry. This means it can catch fire very quickly. I am asking everyone in Sheffield to please avoid using fireworks at this time.
“Even a small firework can start a serious fire when the grass and vegetation are so dry. I am also asking residents to avoid using disposable barbecues or having open fires in parks and other dry areas.
“Please think carefully before lighting any fire outdoors. Most importantly, please speak to your children and young people and explain to them how dangerous the situation is. A small fire can spread very quickly, especially when there is dry grass and strong sunshine.
“We could lose a whole park, damage wildlife and property, and put people and firefighters at serious risk. What starts as a small fire could become a major incident within minutes.”
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Coun Ben Miskell, who represents Park and Arbourthorne ward on the council, raised concerns following a large grass fire Arbourthorne Road on Tuesday afternoon, following a deliberately started blaze at Skye Edge the night before.
He said the cause of Tuesday’s incident had yet to be established, but several fires across Sheffield had been started deliberately in recent days.
He said: “This is disgraceful. These fires put people’s lives and homes at risk, harm wildlife, and place needless additional pressure on our emergency services. As local councillors, we share the frustration of residents who simply want to enjoy the good weather in peace. Anyone responsible for starting these fires should expect a knock on the door from the police."
Coun Jack Byrom, who represents the Richmond ward, has spoken out after a grass fire reportedly started by youths on a dried-out Sheffield park spread and destroyed a house.
Firefighters were called to the home on Harthill Road, Woodthorpe, on Wednesday, August 6.
Coun Byrom said he has “serious concerns” that “relaxed mowing programmes” could be contributing to the spread of fires.
He wants the city council to review its programme especially for land close to residential properties.