Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has announced a new partnership with independent charity Crimestoppers, launching the FireStoppers service to encourage people to pass on information about arson and deliberate fires across the county.

The service, which goes live on Monday 19 January, guarantees complete anonymity for anyone who gets in touch, allowing people to share information safely and without fear of being identified.

In 2025 alone, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service recorded more than 1,000 incidents of deliberate fires. These incidents place significant and unnecessary pressure on the service, adding to the thousands of calls already handled by Fire Control and diverting resources away from genuine emergencies.

FireStoppers is aimed at people who may have information about deliberate fires or individuals responsible for starting them. Reports can be made completely anonymously, with no phone numbers seen and IP addresses scrambled, ensuring no record can be traced back to the person providing the information.

The initiative builds on Crimestoppers' long-standing success as a charity that has protected the anonymity of everyone who has contacted it since it was established nearly 40 years ago.

Anyone with information can contact FireStoppers by calling 0800 169 5558 or by visiting www.firestoppersreport.co.uk.

Chief Fire Officer Alex Woodman said:"Each year we attend hundreds of unnecessary calls to acts of deliberate fires being started, which not only divert resources at a time when budgets are stretched, but place both the public and fire crews at risk of serious harm or even death.

"If you know of someone who has, or plans to commit an act of arson, please get in touch anonymously."

Annette Booysen, Business Development Account Manager at Crimestoppers, added:"Deliberate fires devastate lives, destroy property and local spaces, and put enormous pressure on our emergency services. We know that some people may have vital information but feel too scared, or too close to those involved, to speak directly to the authorities.

"The FireStoppers service gives you a safe way to pass on what you know to your local Fire Service via our impartial charity. We will never ask for your name, we cannot trace your call or your IP address, and you will never have to give a statement or go to court. Your information could help keep your community safe – it could even save lives."

Residents are encouraged to speak up and help prevent deliberate fires while remaining completely anonymous.