🔥 Community Safety Alert – Deliberately Set Fires🔥

Dear Resident

We have seen an increase in deliberately set fires across our local area and are asking residents to remain vigilant.

In the last few weeks, we have received more than one report of deliberate fires in the following locations:

📍 Phoenix Skate Park
📍 Wecock Common 
📍 Pandnell Recreational Ground / Cowplain Bowling club 

📍 Queens Inclosure Woods

With the current hot, dry weather, even a small fire can spread rapidly through grass, woodland and undergrowth. What may start as a small, deliberate fire can quickly become a major incident, threatening homes, wildlife, community spaces and, most importantly, people's lives.

Deliberately setting a fire is not a prank—it is a serious criminal offence. Depending on the circumstances, this may be treated as arson, which can result in arrest, prosecution, a criminal record, substantial fines and imprisonment. If a fire endangers life, the penalties are even more severe.

These fires also place unnecessary demands on our emergency services, diverting firefighters from other incidents where lives may be at risk.

We encourage parents and guardians to speak with young people about the dangers and consequences of fire-setting. A moment of poor judgement can have devastating and long-lasting consequences for everyone involved.

Officers will be patrolling these locations and surrounding areas and will take positive action against anyone found to be involved in setting fires or engaging in anti-social behaviour.

If you witness suspicious behaviour or have information about those responsible, please do contact us. You can either reply to this message or email waterlooville.police@hampshire.police.uk 

If a fire is actively burning or there is an immediate risk to life or property, call 999.

⚠️ If You Discover a Fire ⚠️

If you come across a fire, do not put yourself at risk trying to tackle it. Small fires can spread extremely quickly, particularly in the current dry conditions, and smoke can be dangerous to breathe.

✅ Move to a safe location.
✅ Call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire Service.
✅ Give the exact location and details of what is burning if known.
✅ Warn others to stay away from the area.

❌ Do not attempt to fight the fire unless it is very small, you have suitable equipment available, and it is safe to do so.
❌ Do not put yourself in danger to take photographs or videos.
❌ Never assume someone else has already reported it.

Your quick actions in reporting a fire could help prevent serious damage, injury, or even save lives. 🚒🔥

PCSO 15077 Amy DEAN