Young people are being warned about the dangers of starting fires after police and firefighters were called to four incidents this week in the Chesterfield, Bolsover and Amber Valley areas.

On Sunday, July 14, crews were called to Poundstretcher on High Street, Heanor after a pallet was believed to have been set alight at around 6pm, and spreading to the building.

Crews were later called to Station Road, Langley Mill, at 8pm after two bins had been set on fire behind B&M Bargains.

At around 1.25am on Monday, July 15 police received reports of pallets being set on fire on top of a lorry trailer on Langwith Road at Langwith Junction.

Then at 5pm police and the fire service were called to Hasland Hall Junior School. The roof to a changing room block, off Green Lane, had been set on fire.

All four incidents are being treated as suspicious and police are making enquiries, though it is not thought they are all linked.

Community Safety Inspector Russell Dakin said: “Fortunately no one became trapped or injured as a result of these incidents, but with any fire there is always the danger that it could get seriously out of hand and put people’s lives at risk.

“It might seem like harmless fun to play with lighters or matches but it’s actually far from it. Small fires can spread rapidly, especially during periods of warm, dry weather, putting people, including the person lighting it, in extreme danger.”

“I would encourage young people to think about the consequences and for parents to educate their children and teenagers about the dangers and risks.

Insp. Dakin added: “Fire crews are also potentially diverted away from serious incidents such as road collisions or large blazes while they have to deal with these fires, which are avoidable.

“Please contact us if you have any information about these incidents or noticed anything suspicious. Officers are investigating these incidents and will always look to take positive action against anyone found to be responsible starting fires of this nature.”

Anyone with information should contact Derbyshire police on 101, the non emergency number, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.