A FIRE boss has warned residents a derelict building posses a ‘huge risk to life’ after arsonists targeted it twice in three days.

Firefighters were called to a derelict building on Buccleuch Dock Road, Barrow, on both Monday and Tuesday this week.

On Tuesday crews responded to a fire in the building, next door to the one that 30 firefighters tackled in a blaze last year.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service station manager Roger Exley, said: “Last year’s major fire at the other building on Buccleuch Dock Road saw a huge callout of eight fire engines from across the county.

“Trespassers have now targeted the other building and we have had two fires here in the last three days.

“The first one was on Monday where the building was completely smoke logged.

“Smoke was coming from the roof under the tiles.The fire was deliberate ignition by person unknown.

“We were then called out again the next day.The building was properly boarded up with fencing but there were still able to gain access.

“The owner was obviously mortified after making efforts to secure the building.

“We are now in contact with the police, Barrow Borough Council, the owner and BAE to look at ways of monitoring the area.

“Both ourselves and Barrow Police are increasing patrols in the area and we are also in contact with BAE to look at identifying any suspects through CCTV.

“Our biggest concerns is that people will become trapped in a building that is derelict with unstable floors.

“This is a really dangerous building and potential death trap.

“During the summer holidays I would like parents to know where their children area and to have a conversation about how dangerous such buildings can be.

Mr Exley said there was evidence of drug use, drug paraphernalia and squatters in the building.

“There is a huge risk to life and even greater risk to firefighters who may potentially have to enter such a building without knowing whether or not anyone is inside.”