FIREFIGHTERS and police are cracking down on young arsonists after a spate of incidents in Hartlepool.

Cleveland Fire Brigade said there had been an "unprecedented upsurge" in the number of fires deliberately started in urban countryside, seriously stretching manpower and destroying wildlife.

Station Officer George Crooks, of the brigade's arson reduction team, said: "It's something that's escalating every year but if the current pattern continues throughout the summer then firefighters, police and countryside wardens will be stretched to the limit.

"We will still attend these fires but we feel our resources could be better directed.

"The fire brigade is particularly concerned when fires are started in this type of location due to the difficulties in access. This not only puts local residents in danger but also the fire crews who attend."

He said many of the fires had terrible consequences.

"Some incidents are just mischief, some are anti-social behaviour, but the problem in these areas is how quickly they spread.

"A nice little bonfire to roast some potatoes today is tomorrow's devastation of a wooded area," he said.

PC Jim Blackwell, of Hartlepool's rural crime unit, said it was time to get tough with the arsonists, many of whom are believed to be teenagers.

He said: "Arson is no longer a problem of urban areas alone. Fire raisers should bear in mind what they are doing is not just a bit of fun.

"Arson is a very serious offence and I will not hesitate to deal with anyone caught recklessly starting fires."

Fire damage has recently been caused to woodland behind Hartlepool Reservoir, dunes at Seaton and Hart Warren, and countryside in Summerhill.

Countryside warden Gina Balzi said the blazes had devastated rare plants and wildlife habitats.

She said: "These are very sensitive environments which have been badly affected by fire raisers already this year.

"These mindless acts of vandalism have not only been restricted to nature reserves - public rights of way and the wider countryside are also under threat."

Anyone with information about arson offences is asked to contact PC Blackwell in confidence on (01429) 861678