North Wales’ Arson Reduction Team is appealing to residents to help them stamp out deliberate fires as the summer holidays start this week.

Kevin Jones, Arson Reduction Manager said: “During the holidays often young people are out later in the evenings and the weather becomes warmer. During this time we can see a rise in the number of deliberately set fires. We are appealing to the community to help us tackle deliberate fires.

“I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to parents to be aware of the whereabouts of their children and impress upon them the message that deliberate fires endanger lives.

“Deliberate fires place tremendous pressure on resources, with our crews committed for a considerable length of time trying to bring them under control which prevents them from attending genuine emergencies.

“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. “Anyone with information on such crimes is advised to anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”