FIRE chiefs are urging businesses to arm themselves against would-be arsonists as two teenagers start jail sentences for a £2 million blaze.

Martin Green and Matthew Kneafsey, both aged 17, started Selby's worst fire in 25 years by setting light to cardboard and other rubbish piled near the Somerfield supermarket in Selby.

The flames spread and devastated the store in May last year, along with the adjacent Wilkinson's in an eight-hour inferno which was fought by 65 firefighters.

Green, of Hutchinson Street, Selby, was given three years in prison and Kneafsey, of Eden Street, Selby, received two years.

Station manager Alan Bell today welcomed the sentences saying they would act as a deterrent to others.

"The sentences given by the court shows how seriously arson attacks are taken and serve as a warning to other people who might think about starting fires," he said. "These two young people did not stop to consider the consequences of their actions. The fire caused massive damage to property, and potentially put their own and other people's lives at risk.

"We know the vast majority of young people are well- behaved and responsible and we would urge them to use their influence to deter any of their peers if they ever think about starting fires. We would also urge businesses to follow the steps we've highlighted to help reduce the threat of arson."

Firms are being warned not to allow packaging, waste and rubbish to accumulate on their premises.

It should be removed regularly to a safe storage area such as a metal bin with a closed lid and arrangements should be in place for regular waste collections.

Fire exits should remain clear while the number of entrances in use should be limited as far as possible.

A fire service spokesman said: "It pays in larger establishments to have a security guard on duty at main entrances. In smaller businesses, staff should exercise vigilance."

As part of training, employees should be advised to report suspicious behaviour by customers or staff. Doors and windows should be in good repair and locks should work.

Gaps under doors to the street should be as narrow as possible to prevent items such as lighted paper being pushed under. Letter-boxes should have a metal container fitted on the inside of the building to help contain any fires from lighted rags or paper.

Businesses should keep a list of people holding keys to the premises, and chase any that are missing.

Danger areas are storage areas and warehousing. Access should only be available to authorised members of staff.

For free advice, phone the Fire Safety Advice Line on 01609 788545. To report a suspicious fire, phone Crime Stoppers Arson Alert on 0800 555 111.

Fears that base may relocate

COUNCILLORS in York want to meet fire chiefs to discuss speculation that the city centre fire station could move to a new site.

David Scott, the leader of the Labour opposition on City of York Council, has written to Nigel Hutchinson, the chief officer at North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service.

Coun Scott is worried the Clifford Street station may be relocated to the edge of the city.

"It's clear serious concerns remain around the fire service's future location in the city, particularly given the historic medieval nature of many of the city's buildings," Coun Scott said.

He said he would need to meet fire bosses before taking a stance on the issue.