PARENTS are being urged to monitor their children's activities over coming weeks after reports that the number of deliberate fires rose over the Easter holidays last year.
In 2016 North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 86 deliberate fires during March and April. Last year the number had increased to 159 over the same period.
A spokesman for the service said whilst they could not be certain of the cause of them all, it is believed a significant number were started by children playing with matches.
"We are asking parents to help by checking on their children’s plans and keeping matches and lighters somewhere that isn’t easily accessible to children.
"Deliberately starting fires is against the law and even small fires can endangers lives. Fire spreads quickly and can be unpredictable."
If any parents have concerns that their child has a fascination with fire, they can make a confidential referral by calling (freephone) 0800 074 0064 or emailing safeguarding@northyorksfire.gov.uk
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