Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has issued a strong warning to schools after a classroom and adjoining rooms were damaged by a fire on Thursday, thought to have been started deliberately.
The fire at a school in Cullompton was well developed when the first firefighting crew arrived. They were later joined by four other crews, incident command vehicles and hazardous materials fire officers. It is believed that the fire was started deliberately using combustible materials outside the school, and that the fire spread into the building through the roof space.
Fire officers recommended that head teachers and governors should assess the risk of such attacks to their schools now, before it is too late. They urged them to improve security, remove waste materials and consider a ‘School Watch’ made up of parents and friends during holiday periods.
Measures that were highlighted to reduce such attacks include:
– Ensuring perimeter fencing is adequately maintained
– The use of boundary signs to deter intruders
– Ensuring that all windows and doors are securely closed
– Any stores in and around the school are kept locked
– Any waste or rubbish is well managed and stored securely away from main buildings
– Any waste or wheelie bins are locked shut
The fire service urged everybody who lives, works or passes near a school becomes even more observant than normal during school holidays, and to call the police if they see anything suspicious.
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