Drivers warned to stay on guard after spate of car fires in Telford
Drivers are being warned to keep on their guard after a spate of car fires in Telford and Wellington.
The number of car fires this month has more than doubled over the average, and investigators said it was likely the fires were being started deliberately.
Firefighters have been called to eight fires involving ten cars in October, much higher than the usual two or three fires a month.
Derek Taylor, of Shropshire Fire and Rescue's arson prevention team, said: "There is no obvious pattern to these fires.
"They are spread over a wide area of Telford and the vehicles involved are all different.
"The one factor they do have in common is that the fires seem to have been started deliberately."
The warning comes after two cars were destroyed by arsonists last night.
One crew from Wellington was sent to the incident in Summer House Drive, Hadley, after the fire service was called at around 9.25pm.
The fire involved two cars in the road, and both were severely damaged by fire.
Crews used two breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.
Vehicle owners are being urged to be vigilant and take sensible precautions to keep their cars safe.
“There are some basic steps people can take to deter this kind of arson,” Derek Taylor said.
“Lock your car in a garage if you have one. If you have to park on the street choose a well-lit, well-used spot. Ask neighbours to be vigilant.”
