Almost 1,000 deliberate fires - the equivalent of three a day - are started in Shropshire each year, fire service bosses in the county have revealed.
The figures come as fire officers warn businesses to be “on guard” for arsonists during the summer holidays after a blaze at Shrewsbury Market Hall, believed to have been started by schoolchildren.
The fire broke out shortly after 10.30pm yesterday forcing firefighters to evacuate dozens of stores.
But Mike Ablitt, head of fire prevention at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the incident could have been avoided.
He said: “All businesses, but especially those in the town, need to be on their guard and try to prevent this happening.
“This is an incident that could have been prevented through security. We have approximately 965 deliberate fires occurring in Shropshire, that is about three a day.
“We are moving into the summer holiday and it could be a very bad time for people if measures are not taken.”
Richard Ling, who runs the Army surplus unit in the Market Hall, said: “It’s not the first time a fire has been started because of kids who stay inside and take things.”
A spokeswoman for The Market Hall in Shrewsbury said: “No tenants were directly affected and the building was evacuated promptly and safely in accordance with health and safety regulations.
“The fire service and police have indicated the incident may be suspicious but at this stage we are just awaiting a full accident report.”
She said staff acted in an “efficient manner” and all evacuation procedures were adhered to. She added: “Our customers’ and tenants’ safety remain our highest priority.”
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