FIRE chiefs have launched a crackdown on young arsonists after dealing with hundreds of grass fires in less than a month - wasting more than £500,000 in resources.

In an attempt to tackle the problem, Durham Fire and Rescue Brigade is planning a series of lectures at schools and is leafleting parts of County Durham with Crimestopper posters warning of the dangers.

A counsellor will also be giving one-to-one sessions to culprits, in the presence of their parents, when they are caught.

High Handenhold Fire Station Officer Peter Hewitson said last night: "During three weeks of the recent the hot spell we dealt with 490 calls in the Consett and Stanley areas and a further 190 in the Chester-le-Street area.

"The majority of those have been grass fires which have been deliberately ignited by teenagers and children.

"With the knock-on effects, each fire costs an estimated £950 to put out. So we are looking at more than £646,000 spent on tackling grass fires over the past month.

"It has meant that we have had to cut back on our community fire safety programme including fitting people's houses with smoke alarms. It has become a serious problem and we are going to be visiting schools to lecture pupils in a bid to stop it."

Mr Hewitson said Crimestopper posters had been put up, particularly in the Tanfield Lea and the Grove area of Consett, where the problem was the worst.

He said: "During the Easter weekend it never stopped. Grass fires not only tie down resources, but also have a severe knock-on effect.

"When we are dealing with grass fires we can't be available for more urgent emergencies and appliances have to be brought into from other stations in County Durham to go on standby."

Mr Hewitson urged people to pass on information about children who they suspect are starting fires.

He said: "We do not want to have to go down the road of prosecution. We have counsellors who can speak to problem youths on an one-to-one basis in the presence of their parents."

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111. John Stephenson and Ann Hazel are available on (01325) 469120 to offer counselling.