Hay bale fire near Northallerton sees boy, 13, 'assisting officers'

Firefighters tackled a blaze for several hours on Monday, August 3, on farmland off Bullamoor Road in Northallerton.

Several hay bales were deliberately set on fire, and the blaze quickly spread. Photographs show a heap of ash and smoke clouds as firefighters spent hours trying to contain it.

(Image: North Yorkshire Police)

North Yorkshire Police say a teenager is assisting them with their enquiries.

The force states: "A 13-year-old boy from the local area is assisting officers with their enquiries."

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to the incident at around 3.30pm and the fire was brought under control by 7pm.

Nearby roads were closed due to heavy smoke but were reopened once the fire was extinguished.

(Image: North Yorkshire Police)

Neighbourhood policing inspector Rory Sadler said: "Arson is a serious criminal offence that puts lives at risk and can have a devastating impact on people, communities and the environment.

"What may seem like a small or harmless act can quickly develop into a significant incident, causing extensive damage, threatening lives and placing considerable demand on emergency services."

Rory warned that warm weather can make fires spread rapidly.

He said: "With the current warm and dry conditions, even a minor fire can spread rapidly and lead to serious consequences.

"We encourage parents, carers, and young people to recognise these risks and to have open conversations about the dangers and potential consequences of deliberately setting fires in open spaces."

He added: "We take a problem-solving approach to this issue and will continue working closely with our partners, including the fire service and Hambleton Community Safety Hub, to raise awareness among young people about the risks and consequences of deliberate fires during the summer school holidays and beyond."

Those concerned about a young person playing with fire are encouraged to complete a FireSafe referral through the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service website.

The national initiative, powered by the independent charity Crimestoppers, provides a 100 per cent anonymous way for the public to report information about deliberate fire-setting and arson, attacks on firefighters, fire safety concerns, hoarding risks and fly-tipping.