North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is working with North Wales Police and the Arson Reduction Team to warn people about the dangers of starting fires which can quickly spread out of control in the dry conditions with the potential consequences  including injury, extensive  damage and possible prosecution.

Over recent weeks North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police have been called to a number of gorse and grass fires sometimes as a result of  people attempting to start camp fires. Other incidents are deliberate acts of vandalism.

Since 1^st June - 18^th July, acrossNorth Wales firefighters were called to 70 accidental and 39 deliberate grass or gorse fires.

The police have stepped up patrols and are asking the local communities to inform them  early if they see any suspicious behavior while  Kevin Jones, Arson Reduction Manager  spells out  the consequences: "Fires like this place tremendous pressure on resources, with firefighters tied up for a considerable length of time trying to bring them under control.

"We are urging visitors to the countryside and locals enjoying the good weather to take extra care when they are out and about and reduce the risk of fire. Help avoid wildfires by never starting open fires in the countryside, extinguishing cigarettes properly, never leaving barbecues unattended and extinguishing them properly.

"Deliberate firesetting incidents put extra pressure on fire and rescue resources and place crews and the public at extra risk. Of course whilst crews are busy dealing with these incidents they would not be able to meet what may be a real need for them to attend a life threatening situation elsewhere.

"Remember - setting fires is a criminal offence and we are actively working alongside North Wales Police to combat deliberate incidents, employing the police helicopter to pinpoint the fires and to look out for perpetrators.

North Wales Police can be contacted on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.