BIRCHWOOD firefighters are urging young arsonists to think before they act after the number of fires in Woolston soared.

Skips, bins and rubbish fires on Grange Estate have meant there is no fire engine in the Birchwood area to deal with house fires or road accidents.

On Monday night a skip full of rubbish was set on fire in Melford Court and youths were seen running from the scene just after 7pm.

Dave Dowling, station commander at Birchwood, said: "The local community are at risk because there is a delayed response by the fire brigade. How would you feel if someone close to you died because the fire brigade was attending a nuisance call? Young people may not be aware that such acts could affect their parents' livelihoods."

Commercial and industrial premises are becoming an increased target for arson. The fire brigade is suggesting simple measures to reduce the problem including arranging for the regular collection of rubbish and keeping site refuse containers some distance from the main building and securing the lid.

Extra waste materials may be kept in the main building until a collection is due. Further advice may be sought from your local fire station at Birchwood by telephoning 01925 818 379.