FIRE services are being stretched to breaking point, as officers are forced to deal with hundreds of arson attacks by children.

The past few weeks of sunshine has dried out the grasslands of north Durham, making them easy targets for young firestarters.

Officers stationed at Consett and at High Handenhold, near Stanley, have had to deal with 279 grass fires and similar incidents in the past three weeks.

Peter Hewitson, High Handenhold station commander, said: "This is a major problem for us. Dealing with grass fires is tying up fire appliances that could be better deployed elsewhere. These kids are delaying us and keeping us from dealing with more immediate emergencies.

Since March 16, the brigade has dealt with 95 nuisance fires in the Stanley Woods area, particularly in Whinside, Heather Way and Oxhill.

In the past three weeks they have also been called to 69 nuisance fires in the Chester-le-Street and Pelton Fell area, most of which were started deliberately by arsonists setting alight patches of dry grass, rubbish or wheelie bins.

Mr Hewitson said most of the fires are started before or after school hours and at weekends. They can take up to two hours to extinguish, which could potentially cost lives if they delayed firefighters from responding to other emergencies.

Keith Wanley, station commander at Consett, said his crews had dealt with 115 nuisance fires since March 16, mostly in the villages of Annfield Plain, Delves Lane, as well as Moorside and The Grove in Consett.

"Some of these may be accidental, but the vast majority are arson and it is children that are responsible," he said.

Both stations are working with police and Crimestoppers to fight the problem. Officers at Consett have launched a poster campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of starting grass fires.

"We need this to stop," said Mr Wanley. "Parents must take more care of their children, be aware of where their kids are and educate them about fires.

"If we get any information on specific individuals starting fires, we will prosecute."

Anyone who witnesses a fire being deliberately started or has any other information can ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or contact their police station.