Children warned 'starting fires is not a game'
CDDFRSFirefighters are warning children that starting fires is "not a game" and can put lives at risk.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) has said crews see a spike in the number of arson incidents in the summer months.
More than nine out of 10 fires attended by crews in Bishop Auckland in April, May and June last year were started deliberately.
Station manager Wayne Thompson said: "Kids might think that setting fire to a bin is just a bit of fun but we want to highlight the dangers and the serious consequences that burn on long after the flames have gone out."
"Not only are they putting themselves and others at risk of injury, but they could also be preventing crews from being available to attend critical incidents like house fires, road traffic collisions and water-related incidents," he added.
CDDFRSLast year, there were 371 recorded deliberate fires in Bishop Auckland, and there have been 40 up until the end of May, with most taking place in three key areas: West Auckland, Bishop Auckland Town and Dene Valley.
The fire service is encouraging parents to talk to their children about the dangers and serious consequences of starting deliberate fires.
Arson is a crime that can result in prosecution and may have implications for future education and employment opportunities.
Firefighters and officers from Durham Police are also carrying out regular patrols of hotspot areas in Bishop Auckland to try and prevent incidents or arson and to reassure local people.
