Cleveland Fire Brigade have issued a warning to people to take care and stop mindless fires after they cost more than £14m last year alone.

Ahead of a heatwave set to reach the North East this week, Cleveland Fire service has asked people to help them reduce the risk of fires and enjoy the summer safely.

According to the service, last year there were 4,312 deliberate fires across Cleveland which cost local communities £14.5m.

Read more: Northumbrian Water and Yorkshire Water reveal chances of hosepipe bans

The fire service has said that as temperatures rise this summer the number of fires should not and warned that even the smallest fires can get out of hand quickly.

Robin Turnbull, Area Manager – Prevention, Protection and Engagement, said: “With the longer days, warmer temperatures, and the summer holidays, many more people are out and about.

“We just want people to take extra care, especially within open areas and outdoor spaces as they will be tinder dry.

“We would also like to remind our communities to take pride in their local area by removing potential fuel for a fire and be ‘wildfire aware’.

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“In essence, say no to setting fires and work together with us to help clampdown on fires this summer.”

Last summer crews from the Cleveland Fire Brigade dealt with more than 300 deliberate fires, with grasslands, rubbish and wheelie bins being the most common causes.

Tips to reduce the risk of fires breaking out include not having BBQs in open grasslands, disposing of lit cigarettes and glass bottles responsibly and not dumping hot ashes into the wheelie bin.

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