Bad news for arsonists as new service launched in Hertfordshire to gather intelligence on deliberate fires

Published: 20 Jan 2026

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have announced a new partnership (starting Monday 19 January), with independent charity Crimestoppers, to launch the FireStoppers service to encourage people to pass on information relating to arson and deliberate fire started across the county. The FireStoppers service guarantees the anonymity of everyone who contacts it, so if you have information, you can rest assured that you can speak up and stay safe.

In just 2025 alone across Hertfordshire, the Fire and Rescue Service recorded over one thousand incidents of deliberate fires, this is on top of the thousands of calls Fire Control manage, leading to unnecessary pressure on the service and diverting resources to incidents that could have been avoided.

The new service is aimed at those who may have information about deliberate fires or individuals who may be responsible, allowing them to report them completely anonymously with no record traced back to them. Phone numbers aren't seen, and IP addresses are scrambled.

The initiative builds on the longstanding success of Crimestoppers. A charity that has helped protect society from crime and has protected the anonymity of all those who tell them what they know since they were established almost 40 years ago.

Anyone with information can call 0800 169 5558 or visit - www.firestoppersreport.co.uk

Chief Fire Officer, Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service, Alex Woodman said:

"Each year we attend hundreds of unnecessary calls, to acts of deliberate fires being started, that not only divert resources at a time when budgets are stretched, but place both the public and fire crews at risk of serious harm or even death.

"If you know of someone who has, or plans to commit an act of arson, please get in touch anonymously."

Annette Booysen, Business Development Account Manager at the charity Crimestoppers said: "Deliberate fires devastate lives, destroy property and local spaces and put enormous pressure on our emergency services. At Crimestoppers, we know that some people may have vital information but feel too scared, or too close to those involved, to speak directly to the authorities.

"The FireStoppers service gives you a safe way to pass on what you know to your local Fire Service via our impartial charity. When you contact our service, we will never ask for your name, we cannot trace your call or your IP address, and you will never have to give a statement or go to court. Your information could help keep your community safe; it could even save lives. So, if you know who is starting fires in your area, please tell us what you know and stay completely anonymous."