A WARNING has been given after a series of ‘reckless’ deliberate fires which had the potential to cause firefighters to be called away from life-threatening situations elsewhere.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue has reported a wave of arson attacks in Tidworth in recent weeks, with firefighters themselves warning that lives could be put at risk due to such ‘reckless actions’.

On Tuesday, July 10 Ludgershall Fire Station was called out to two cases of deliberate fires.

Later on the station’s Facebook page, a message read: “Whilst we love our job as firefighters, which I might add we all do on top of full-time jobs, we have a severe dislike for arsonists.

“Once again, called out to a deliberately set fire. This time though, it was witnessed by one of our firefighters, who had a clear description of the individuals.

“And it has been passed onto Wiltshire Police to investigate.”

Two days later, on Thursday, July 12, the fire station’s staff took to Facebook again to provide an update, saying: “Mobilised to deal with another deliberately set fire at the same location in Tidworth.

“We really hope that the family and friends of the individuals that are setting these fires for us never need our assistance when we’re out dealing with your reckless actions.

“It wastes valuable resources at a time when the service is inundated with calls.

“We urge you, as a small community to come forward with any information you may have in regards to these recent deliberately set fires so the appropriate action can be taken against the individual(s) before serious damage or injury is caused.”

Mayor of Tidworth, Councillor Mark Connolly added: “There has been a spate recently of fires deliberately started in Tidworth.

“Not only is this totally irresponsible, it also takes fire fighters away from what could be life-threatening situations.”

After these reoccurring incidents, residents have called for investments to be made to supply CCTV in the area as a deterrent.

One resident’s comment on Ludgershall Fire Station’s Facebook post said: “There is a group of the same male and female youths that are always gathering in areas around the pharmacy.

“It can be no coincidence that this is happening when they are there. There is an accumulation of litter and broken glass in the same areas and a young girl was assaulted in that area recently too.

“Something needs to be done before a serious incident occurs.

“CCTV should be installed as a start which might at least be a deterrent although I suspect they’d just move elsewhere.”

Another resident added: “There’s been so much criminal damage in Tidworth lately. We really do need some investment in CCTV.”

Wiltshire and Dorset Fire and Rescue Service urges anyone that has any information in regards to the recent deliberately set fires to contact them or inform the police via 101.