A SPATE of deliberate grass fires across Gwent has put firefighters' lives in danger, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has said.

Since the start of this month fire crews have been called to 11 deliberate grass fires in the region - with three in Monmouthshire, three in Torfaen, two in Newport, two in Caerphilly, and one in Blaenau Gwent.

In a statement, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service appealed to the public to stop deliberately starting grass fires, especially given an unprecedented challenge for the emergency services during the coronavirus epidemic.

The statement reads: “Some (grass fires) have required the attendance of multiple appliances, use of critical equipment and the movement of resources.

“Deliberate fires like this put our firefighters lives in danger, pose risk to the community and can cause significant damage to property and the environment.

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“It is important for us to reinforce that, due to the coronavirus, our current situation is unprecedented.

“While we remain committed to delivering an effective and efficient emergency response across South Wales, we are very aware that many more families will be spending time at home, cooking, washing and using electrical items, which increases the risk of a potential fire.

“Diverting our resources to deal with deliberate fires will draw fundamental and valuable resources away from our communities, placing unnecessary risk on lives.”

The fire service has urged anyone who might have any information regarding the fires to contact 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you see a fire, or anyone starting a fire, call 999 immediately.