Arsonists have set seven cars on fire in Borehamwood over the last month at a cost of at least £10,500 to the taxpayer.
The most recent incidents were in Cardinal Avenue and Ashley Drive at 4.30am on Tuesday, when a Vauxhall Cavalier and a camper van were deliberately set alight.
Borehamwood Fire Station commander Danny Rickett said it was unusual to have cars set alight at that time of day, as usually arsonists struck in the early evening or after the pubs closed.
There was a danger that cars' petrol tanks could explode, injuring the arsonist or firefighter. It costs the fire service £1,500 to deal with each car fire, and £500 to deal with a burning wheeled bin.
Mr Rickett added that while his crews were dealing with deliberate fires they were unable to deal with any life-threatening fires that occurred, increasing the chances of people dying in house fires.
Firefighters were called to a burning motorcycle, believed to have been set alight by arsonists, in Kenilworth Park at 10.38pm on Wednesday, August 14.
August 21, 2002 14:30
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