Arson
School Fires
The number of arson attacks on schools has increased steadily over the years. It is now the largest single cause of fires in schools, with 60% of all school fires classified as deliberate. Recent press reports have attracted a considerable degree of media attention and focused efforts to address the issue. As many as one in eight schools nationally suffer some form of arson attack each year.
The HMT Economic Cost of Fire estimates for 2003 put the average cost of school fires at around £49,600. The model considers the economic cost of fire generally, including the costs of meeting building and fire regulations, which are in anticipation of, rather than a consequence of, fire.
The principle insurers of local authority risks in the UK (Zurich Municipal) estimate that school fires cost the insurance industry nearly £75 million in 2003. Zurich Municipal and the DfES have produced guidance to help LEAs to make their own fire risk assessment and to introduce such counter-measures as they judge necessary: www.teachernet.gov.uk (follow the Management link and then Building Design).
Last update: Thursday, October 12, 2006