FIREFIGHTERS in Grangetown will target the worst areas for arsons - which accounted for all of the call-outs in the past four weeks.

Crews will launch Operation Fifa on Thursday by going into streets where there has been a large number of fires, with arson usually making up to 90 per cent of all the call-outs.

Firefighters will be examining hotspots to reduce the risk of fire by identifying areas with rubbish and arranging to have it removed, reporting any unsecured empty properties and presenting a high-profile presence in the area to deter fire-setters.

The station has also arranged for crews to go into schools to speak to children about fire safety and the consequences of arson.

They will also be encouraging residents to have home fire safety checks to make their homes safer from fire.

Frank Sweeney, Grangetown fire station manager, said: "Operation Fifa is going to continue throughout June, during the run-up to the World Cup, targeting different fire incident focus areas daily.

"In the brigade area, 90 per cent of all fires are arson. But looking at figures in the past four weeks, every fire that we attended in Grangetown was deliberately set. This meant that crews were needlessly committed to incidents, using up valuable resources.

"We have set up Operation Fifa to target areas that are constantly targeted by fire-setters, to reduce the risk by getting rubbish removed that can be set alight, and get any empty properties that are insecure, boarded up, as well as speaking to the community to make the area a safer place.

"Last year, we attended 1,148 deliberate fires in the area. A lot of the fires set are small rubbish and grass fires, often started by children. I would urge all parents to inform their children of the dangers of fire-setting. It is a danger to the children involved themselves, but it also affects fire engine availability."

For a home fire safety check, call Cleveland Fire Brigade on (01429) 874063.