Deliberate fires are one of the most common causes of fire across the UK. In Scotland, more than half of all fires attended in 2024–25 were started deliberately, and in Wales there were 6,444 deliberate fires in 2025–26 – again, more than half of all fires. Many begin outside – in bins, skips and rubbish – and spread to the building.

The good news: most arson is opportunistic, and simple steps make your premises a much harder target.

Bins, Skips and Rubbish

  • Keep wheelie bins and skips at least 10 m from buildings where you can. Fire and Rescue Services and insurers commonly recommend this distance.
  • If bins have to be closer, use metal, lockable bins, or keep them in a locked, fire-resisting bin store.
  • Keep bins away from windows, doors and eaves.
  • Lock bins and skips, and have waste collected regularly.
  • Don't let rubbish, pallets or packaging build up around the building.

Secure the Site

  • Good fencing and gates, kept locked out of hours. Insurer guidance suggests fencing at least 2.4 m high for higher-risk sites.
  • Make sure waste and stored materials can't be reached through or over the fence.
  • Repair broken windows, doors and fences quickly – damage invites more.
  • Keep keys secure, and know who has them.

Lighting and CCTV

  • Light the outside of the building, especially entrances, yards and bin stores.
  • CCTV covering vulnerable areas deters intruders and helps the police. Make sure the picture quality is good enough to identify people.

Letterboxes

Burning material pushed through a letterbox is a common way fires are started. Consider an anti-arson letterbox (a fire-resistant container fitted inside the door), or seal the letterbox and use a locked external post box instead.

Flammable Materials

  • Store flammable liquids and gas cylinders securely, in a locked metal cabinet or store.
  • Keep them away from other combustible materials.
  • Only keep the quantities you need.

Closing-Up Routine

  • Check no one is left inside and no one is hiding.
  • Lock all doors, windows and gates.
  • Close internal doors to slow any fire spread.
  • Set the intruder alarm and switch on security lighting.
  • Check bins are locked and nothing's been left outside.

Staff

Train staff to spot and report suspicious behaviour, signs of attempted entry, or small fires that have been started and gone out. Take threats from former staff or others seriously.

Include Arson in Your Fire Risk Assessment

Arson should be part of your fire risk assessment. Your local Fire and Rescue Service can give advice, and your insurer may have its own requirements. See Do I Need a Fire Risk Assessment?.

More advice: London Fire Brigade – reducing arson risk, National Fire Chiefs Council – arson reduction advice for businesses, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

Worth remembering… your fire risk assessment is what decides what your premises need. This guide is general advice, not a substitute for it.

Not sure what you need? Get in touch with our team – we'll be delighted to help. No pressure. No sales patter.