The campaign has been launched after four fires were recorded within the last two months in the same area of Wingate.



And feedback from members of the community suggests children as young as 10 or 12 years old from the area are responsible.

Officers are targeting the hotspot, at the rear of King's Road, which backs onto woodland, by distributing leaflets asking parents to warn their children of the dangers of setting fires.

There have been three rubbish fires in the woodland since the beginning of July, with the last one recorded on August 25.

A car fire also took place in nearby Woodland View on August 19.

Arson reduction officer for Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Karen Hall, said: "We believe that these fires are not necessarily being started maliciously, however, all are set without regard to possible consequences elsewhere in this district.

"It could be that kids are having a camp fire and leaving them unattended.

"We are trying to work closely with the wardens to get them to come up the area to search the immediate vicinity when crews are called up there.

"People must know who it is hanging around there – dog walkers and youths – and people are reluctant to come forward because they think there will be repercussions.

"At the end of the day, all we are trying to do is identify the people responsible and if we can steer them in a different direction and give them support it will stop them from getting a criminal record."

Mrs Hall said people can give information anonymously, without having to give a statement, by contacting Peterlee Fire Station on (0191) 5863133 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.