RECKLESS children torching rubbish are putting lives at risk, warn firefighters.

Crews tackled three separate incidents within 24 hours.

They extinguished one blazing pile of refuse only to discover it re-lit half an hour later.

"It is tying up our resources," said crew manager Pete Finnegan. "They are putting lives at risk as we might be needed for a genuine life threatening incident."

Rubbish was set on fire several times in the Sycamore Road area.

The police are investigating.

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800-555 111.