Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) has joined forces with Sunderland City Council and Northumbria Police to combat anti-social behaviour in the city, following a recent rise in deliberate secondary fires.

The joint initiative focuses on the South Hylton Park area, where crews have responded to several incidents in recent weeks. It aims to raise awareness, promote community safety, and encourage residents to report suspicious activity.

Shaun Makin, Station Manager at TWFRS, said: “Deliberate fires place a huge strain on our resources. Not only do they impact our ability to respond to genuine emergencies, but they also cause long-term damage to our green spaces – like South Hylton Park – which are so valuable to our communities.

“These fires don’t just harm the landscape – they pose a serious threat to local wildlife and disrupt natural habitats.

“We’re urging residents to be vigilant. If you see something suspicious, report it – even small actions can make a big difference.

“The FireStoppers service is completely anonymous and provides vital information to help protect our communities and prevent further harm”.

As part of the initiative, TWFRS officers and representatives from Sunderland City Council and Northumbria Police visited South Hylton Park to speak directly with local residents, offering reassurance and providing information on how to report anti-social behaviour.

Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community Safety, Councillor Kelly Chequer, said: “Any arson and fire-lighting as well as being life-threatening, dangerous and criminal, damages the environment for residents, visitors and wildlife.

“Tackling and cleaning up after fires also brings costs, as precious public resources are diverted away from other tasks.

“We are continuing work with our partners in the area and remind the community that if you see anti-social and criminal behaviour it is important to report it”.

Inspector Ash Hopper, of Sunderland’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: “We work closely with our partners at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Sunderland City Council to reach out to young people and their parents and carers to really home in on the dangers of setting these careless fires.

“While we know it’s only a small group of individuals who are carrying out these acts, it’s important we have these conversations to make young people aware of the consequences of their actions.

“No matter how innocent you think starting a fire in an open setting may be, it still puts people and properties at risk.

“Throughout the school holidays and in the warmer months, we often see more people out and about, resulting in an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour.

“We want to reassure our local communities that we take every report seriously, especially when it comes to fire.

“If you see our officers out and about on patrol and have information on ASB-related crimes happening in your area, I’d urge you to come and speak to us.

“Alternatively, you can report ASB by sending us a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat or report forms functions on our website”.

By staying alert and working together, communities across Sunderland can help reduce deliberate fire-setting and protect local green spaces for everyone.

If you have concerns, you can report them anonymously through FireStoppers at www.firestoppersreport.co.uk.Enter text here