MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have issued a stringent warning about the dangers and consequences of deliberately starting dry grass fires following call-outs a number of incidents over the weekend.

Firefighters attended the scene at, Brynamman, two in Ystradgynlais, one in Seven Sisters, one in Glynneath and one in Glais on Saturday, February 7.

Striving to lower the amount of fires that have been intentionally started the Fire and Rescue Service is reminding the public that deliberately set grass fires are extremely unpredictable and can spiral out of control within minutes.

Steve Richards, Mid and West Wales Arson Reduction Manager said: “Every time our firefighters are called out to a deliberately set grass or mountain fire, not only does it cost the taxpayer thousands of pounds, negatively impacts on the environment, wildlife and carbon footprint and puts firefighters at a needless risk.

“It also means that firefighters could be diverted from attending a real emergency - someone trapped in a house fire or a crashed car, where there is a potential life risk."

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is working to reduce the number of large grass and gorse fires through education and prevention programmes, including school visits and offering advice to parents.

“Fire and Police officers are visiting schools together in areas where fires are deliberately lit to inform pupils of the dangers of starting fires, the implications of their actions, and the criminal aspect of fire setting,” added Steve Richards.

It is the policy of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to work with our partners in the Police to vigorously pursue the prosecution of anyone involved in deliberate fire-setting."