Fire crews in South Wales stretched to breaking point by wave of wildfires. Authorities call on parents to report children if suspected of starting blazes. Fires ‘turned the valleys black’ and devastated wildlife in surrounding area.
A boy of 11 is among children arrested over a spate of fires across Welsh countryside which have cost £500,000 to fight.
Five children were questioned by police after 623 fires ravaged 600 acres of fields and woodland this month alone.
Fire crews in South Wales say they have been stretched to breaking point by the ‘unprecedented’ scale of destruction, which is mainly being blamed on gangs of youngsters.
Officers yesterday called on parents to report their children if they suspect them of lighting fires.
Deputy Chief Constable Matt Jukes, of South Wales Police, said: ‘It is only a matter of time before somebody gets seriously injured or even killed.
‘What is most concerning is that we believe that many of these grass fires are being caused by children. This must be addressed and everybody can do their bit.’
‘Teachers, neighbours, shop owners, but most importantly parents or carers have a role to play and can make a stand against this recurring problem.’
DCC Jukes added: ‘The sad reality is that because of the naïve and reckless actions of some of the youngest members of the community, the lives of those who need the emergency services most are being put at serious risk.’
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