FIREFIGHTERS are joining forces to highlight the dangers of deliberate fires as part of Arson Awareness Week.

Running from Monday, March 19 to Friday, March 23, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have teamed up with Merseyside Police, Wirral Council and housing providers to highlight the consequences of arson attacks.

Over the past five years, fire crews across Merseyside have had to tackle nearly 17,500 deliberate fires.

This figure also includes 894 fires in residential properties, 354 on business premises and 1,500 blazes which have been started deliberately using ignitable liquids.

Fire service staff and volunteers will visit homes and businesses across Wirral during the week to carry out 'Home Fire Safety Checks'.

They will also distribute information leaflets and identify residents who may be vulnerable to arson attacks.

Wirral’s cabinet member for community safety councillor George Davies said: “Arson attacks not only put lives at risk but also people’s homes, businesses and local facilities.

“In Wirral we have been working closely with Merseyside Fire Service to combat the problem of fires in fly-tipped rubbish.

“We would urge residents to report any suspicious activity immediately, particularly the initial dumping of rubbish as this can give us the opportunity to get it removed before an even more serious incident happens.”

Fire service staff will also provide skips to remove fly-tipped rubbish from communities, give advice to business owners about waste management, raise awareness of the dangers of fires to the homeless and support residents concerned about anti-social fire setting in their neighbourhoods.

Arson reduction co-ordinator for Merseyside Fire & Rescue service station manager Paul Kay said: “The figures from the last five years show that arson is a very serious issue for both local communities and our fire crews, with sometimes deadly consequences for those affected.

“This campaign will see organisations from across our county come together to raise awareness of the dangers of arson and the impact fires have on our communities.

“Arson is a serious criminal offence which puts people’s lives at risk, causes damage to homes, businesses and community facilities and impacts on wildlife and the environment.

“It can range from mindless criminal damage to a deliberately-targeted attack but, either way, the potentially lethal results remain the same.

“If fire appliances are called out to deliberate fires this may delay the response to other emergencies, which could endanger lives elsewhere.

“We want to make people aware that deliberately setting fires in a public place is arson and, if caught, those responsible may face legal action.”