Arsonists grim toll
Shocking statistics reveal arson is on the increase in Lynn, with November set to be the "grimest" month yet.
Fire chiefs warn arsonists are putting lives at risk by diverting vital resources away from accidents and other emergency calls.
The number of deliberate fires started in Lynn increased from nine in September to 31 in October and Bonfire Night has seen the numbers sky-rocket again.
In just the first seven days of November alone, firefighters have dealt with 25 cases of arson on top of the usual number of call-outs to car crashes and rescues.
Many of the fires have been rubbish bins deliberately set alight, but fire chiefs warn even small fires can have serious consequences for people living nearby.
Fire risk manager Tim Edwards told the Lynn News: "We had a huge number of arson-related fires in October and there is definitely an upward trend.
"Bonfire night has played a part, but the figures went through the roof in October. November has started really badly and is going to be grim by the looks of it.
"Some of the increase is attributable to November 5, and there is definitely a rise in the number of deliberate fires during the school holidays.
"What start as small fires can quickly grow and the implications can be catastrophic. What happened in Warwickshire this week, when four colleagues lost their lives, could easily have been started with a rubbish fire, for example."
Mr Edwards said the worst day so far had been Saturday when Lynn crews answered 13 emergency calls.
Resources that night were already stretched due to a 40ft blaze on the Saddlebow industrial Estate and a serious car crash in Southery, when a man was trapped, and a large number of crews from other areas including Sandringham, Swaffham, Heacham and Terrington St Clement were drafted in to help.
Some of the fires over the weekend believed to be deliberate include:
Saturday
- Telford Close, Gaywood, bonfire;
- Sandale Road, Gaywood, rubbish fire;
- Brockley Green, Gaywood, bonfire.
Sunday
- Methuen Avenue, Gaywood, grass fire;
- Saddlebow Road, South Lynn, rubbish fire;
- Hillington Square, Lynn, rubbish fire
- St Nicholas Retail Park, Lynn, box of fireworks set alight;
- Silver Green, Gaywood, rubbish fire.
Monday
- Lynn High Street, bin fire;
- Peter's Court, Gaywood, bonfire;
- Saddlebow Road, South Lynn, rubbish fire;
- Front Way, North Lynn, grass embankment on fire;
- Wisbech Road, South Lynn, bonfire;
- Woodside, Fairstead Estate, Lynn, rubbish fire.
Tuesday
- Edward Benefer Way, North Lynn, grass fire;
- Sir Lewis Street, Lynn, grass fire.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Saturday 26 May 2012
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