Landlords warned about fire risk in empty buildings

Landlords are being told to make sure disused buildings are secure

Landlords are being warned about the risk of fire in disused and derelict buildings.

A spokesperson for Northamptonshire's Arson Task Force said incidents tended to increase during school holidays.

There were 67 deliberate fires recorded last month in the county, of which seven broke out in disused properties.

Parents have been urged to make sure their children do not play in or around derelict buildings.

The Arson Task Force, a partnership between the county's police force and the fire and rescue service, said that many of the 67 deliberate fires in Northamptonshire in July were associated with anti-social behaviour.

It added that incidents tended to increase ahead of and during the school holidays.

Kelly Crockett, from the Arson Task Force, said owners should check their buildings regularly

Kelly Crockett, an arson reduction co-ordinator with the task force, said: "Building owners and landlords should ensure that their properties are secured and that regular checks are carried out to mitigate the risks.

"It is the responsibility of owners to ensure that their buildings are safe and do not become targets for anti-social behaviour, and they must be aware of the impact it can have if they do not adhere to those responsibilities."

This disused pub has a tree growing through the window frame

Ms Crockett added: "These buildings can also be used for illegal activities such as drug taking, which increases the danger of used needles laying around.

"There is also the risk that homeless people may be using these buildings to sleep and shelter - which potentially puts their lives at risk as well in the event of a fire."