CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is warning young people about the unpredictability of fire - and reminding them about the dangers of arson.

What may start off as a small blaze can quickly spread and escalate with more devastating consequences, say fire chiefs.

And they are calling for more vigilance from the public and to report any suspicious activity.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service works closely with Cheshire Police and other agencies to stop this type of anti-social behaviour to preserve the safety of people and property.

Fire and rescue crews regularly visit schools to advise young people about the very real dangers of setting fires, and how what starts out as something small can soon escalate into a blaze that can put the lives of the public and firefighters at considerable risk.

One such incident happened earlier this summer in the county.

A wheelie bin had been deliberately set alight right in front of a property. The bin was well alight when firefighters arrived on the scene to extinguish the blaze. This fire could easily have spread to involve the whole house, causing grave danger to the occupants.

Colin Heyes, the service’s arson reduction manager, said: “This sort of crime is extremely dangerous and any fire puts the lives of the public and firefighters at considerable risk. It also takes up a lot of valuable time and resources. What people often don’t think about is what is near the fire they are starting and the unpredictable nature of fire means it can often spread quickly and have devastating consequences.

“We really would like people to be on their guard and report anyone they see lighting fires. We would therefore urge anyone with information about arsonthis sort of behaviour to report it by to call Crimestoppers, which can be done anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or Cheshire Police on 101.”