TWO youths have been arrested for deliberately starting three grass fires.

The arrests come as firefighters and police continue their zero tolerance approach to teenage arsonists in Derwentside.

The youths, aged 13 and 14, who started the fires next to the A692 in Genesis Way, Consett, were detained a short while later after they were identified by witnesses and on council CCTV images on Tuesday.

Both of the boys were interviewed at Consett police station and admitted starting the fires.

The fire service has been delivering a zero tolerance message to schools and carrying out patrols with police community support officers.

Ian Dockerty, Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service district manager for Derwentside, said patrols during the Easter period reduced fires by 20 per cent compared to the same time last year.

And as a result, there will be further joint patrols over the Whit week holidays starting from tomorrow until Sunday, June 3.

Mr Dockerty said: "It is estimated that it costs £2,000 every time a fire crew has to turn out these for deliberate fires, not to mention the potential cost in lives while the fire appliances are dealing with this type of incident."

He said the two boys had been officially reprimanded, and will now be educated by the two organisations to prevent re-offending.

Fire chiefs say they are called to about 1,000 deliberate fires a year in Derwentside.

Mr Dockerty is collating the information and will interview anyone found responsible in front of their parents, and with a police officer.

So far, about 50 young people have been warned about the dangers of starting fires.

Mr Dockerty said: "Representatives from the police and fire service have already been out to see the children in the presence of the parents and we will be getting around to visiting the others.

"Persistent offenders will be served with an acceptable behaviour contract, or an anti-social behaviour order in extreme cases."

Anyone with information about people starting fires deliberately is asked to call Mr Dockerty on 01207-502912 or the police on 0845-60-60-365.