Series of 13 fires in two nights being treated as arson

Firefighters were called to eight blazes in Runcorn on Tuesday and five on Wednesday.

The majority of them are grass fires in the areas of Hallwood Park, Halton Lea, Halton Brook, Halton Lodge, Runcorn Hill, Windmill Hill and Runcorn Old Town which have coincided with increasing temperatures.

Although the blazes have not developed into large fires, crews are concerned they could have grown into much worse incidents like the ones at Saddleworth Moor and Winter Hill.

It also takes resources away from tackling other fires.

Runcorn Station Manager Stuart Devereux said: “Fire spreads quickly, so what may seem like a small fire can easily become out of control and put properties and lives at risk.

“Small fires that are started deliberately also tie up resources, meaning that it will take longer for our crews to respond to actual emergencies, such as house fires, because they are attending these deliberately set fires.

“The fires we have attended in Windmill Hill and Runcorn Hill Nature Reserve also tend to be deep seated, meaning that we have to dig relatively deep to put them out, and this impacts upon the wildlife in the area.

“Such fires damage the environment as well as produce smoke that blows across roadways and makes it difficult for motorists to see.

“We are concerned by the number of suspected arson incidents we have experienced in Runcorn this week and urge those responsible to stop starting fires deliberately.

“A fire can start anywhere and it could be your family or friends that we are delayed in getting to because we have to put out a fire that has been started deliberately.

“We will actively pursue anyone found to be setting fires deliberately and involve the police.”

To report a fire contact Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service on 999.

If you have any information about any arson incidents contact police on 101 or visit cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries.