Arson attacks in York have raised safety fears after a series of deliberate fires targeted local allotments, prompting emergency responses and police investigations.
The most recent occurred on 28th of February, a garden shed was set on fire at Low Moor allotments off Kilburn Road.
Firefighters were called out to the scene at 3:49am, and a hose reel jet was used to extinguish the fire.
At 6:08am, the fire was set again in the same place.
York and Acomb firefighters responded to the scene once again, where two garden sheds were on fire.
A North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “The cause of this fire is believed deliberate and police were informed.”
A series of incidents, like this one, has previously occurred in different locations around York.
York Allotments Charitable Incorporated Organisation warned allotment holders in its recent newsletter to be on their guard.
“Avoid leaving anything valuable on sight, and remove all tools, equipment and flammable materials,” it said.
On January 14th, firefighters from Huntington and Tadcaster were sent to Scarcroft Road at 7:10pm, after an allotment building was destroyed by a fire.
Similarly, on the 2nd of October 2025, another incident occurred at the allotments on Wentworth Road.
Firefighters responded to the scene, in which two garden sheds were set ablaze.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service believed that this incident was also the result of arson.
Police advised parents to stay alert and closely monitor their childrens activities following the arson attack in October.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Please could we ask for people with children that you are aware of where your children are on an evening.”
Johnny Crawshaw, a York councillor, has calculated that 13 sheds on allotments, in the Scarcroft area, have been burnt down.
In a Council meeting, he said: “The ingredients are there for an absolute catastrophe to happen that will ruin a whole number of lives.”
Investigations, regarding these incidents are still pending, as police work to prevent further arson attacks.
Data, collected by Plumplot, found that arson makes up 7.7% of all crimes reported in the postcode area, with a total number of 3.8k.
