Half-term surge in fires started deliberately

Firefighters have been carrying out woodland patrols after crews were called to more than a dozen blazes in the same area in just over a week.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called out six times to incidents behind Willmott Road, Rushden, between 22 and 31 May. On those callouts, it had dealt with more than 15 separate seats of fire.

During the same period, it attended 38 deliberately-started fires across the county.

The surge in callouts happened during half-term, and the service asked parents to talk to their children about the dangers of starting fires.

Andy Evans, from the fire service and the Police Arson Task Force, said: "Arson can not only put people and property in harm's way but have a detrimental effect on resources, diverting fire crews away from emergencies.

"We are asking parents to be aware of the signs of arson and speak to their children on the risks of starting fires.

"Explain that arson can lead to criminal records, heavy fines or even imprisonment."

Do you have a story suggestion for Northamptonshire? Contact us below.

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.