READERS have been warned about dangers of deliberate fires as part of Arson Awareness Week.

As part of the drive, which runs until Friday, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service are working with police, local authorities, housing providers and other agencies to highlight the potentially lethal consequences of arson.

During the past five years, fire crews in Merseyside have had to tackle nearly 20,500 deliberate fires involving rubbish, bins and grass, and 2,800 deliberate fires involving vehicles.

to help tackle this problem, fire service staff, advocates, PCSOs and volunteers will visit homes and businesses in Wirral to carry out Home Fire Safety Checks, distribute information leaflets and identify residents who may be vulnerable.

Michael Buratti, arson reduction Manager for Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: "The figures from the last five years show that arson is a huge issue for both local communities and our service, with sometimes deadly consequences for those affected.

"Arson Awareness Week 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."