WARNINGS have gone out about the "life-wrecking" consequences and dangers of fire starting in Gwynedd.

North Wales Police are working with the Arson Reduction Team and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to highlight the problem, which can cause injury, damage and result in court appearances for perpetrators.

Over the past weekend, police in Gwynedd received four reports of fires being deliberately started.

On Thursday evening (April 18), a gorse fire took place on Bangor mountain. Another happened the next day on the outskirts of Llanllyfni. This incident was accompanied by a car fire in Pont Y Crychddwr, Llanllyfni, these two incidents are being treated as linked.

During the early evening of Saturday, April 21, a plastic bench at Bontnewydd Football Club was set alight and three youths were seen running from the scene.

The fires were prevented from spreading thanks to prompt action by local officers and the intervention of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Inspector Doug Hughes, at Caernarfon Police Station, said: "So far, and fortunately, no one has been injured and the damage to the gorse was not too serious, but we are determined to ensure this doesn’t become a trend and that we educate our youngsters about the dangers of fire before someone is seriously hurt or worse. We have stepped up patrols and are asking the local community to inform us immediately if they see any suspicious behaviour.’

"The message I’d like to get out, is that fires are dangerous and can wreck lives as well as property so don’t get involved. We are appealing to anyone who knows who is responsible for these incidents to contact us before someone is injured.

Tim Owen, arson reduction manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Deliberate fire setting is completely unacceptable –as well as the associated monetary cost, these fires put extra pressure on our resources and can put the lives of the fire crews and the public at risk. Whilst crews are busy dealing with these incidents they would not be able to meet what may be a real need for them to attend a life threatening situation elsewhere.

"Deliberate fire setting is a serious form of anti-social behaviour, and is a criminal offence - we are working alongside North Wales Police to stamp out the issue. As part of this work we are attending schools in the area to give consequences talks and have funded trips to our safety centre Dangerpoint in Flintshire."

Cotactt North Wales Police via live web chat http://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/chat-support.aspx or phone 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.