Twenty-two deliberate shed, garage and outdoor fires were started in Fenland in August over the past three years.

This is more than double the number started in East Cambridgeshire (nine) but just less than a third of the incidents reported in Peterborough (67).

Deliberate fires are particularly prevalent in August - last year, there were 68 deliberate fires in Cambridgeshire in August, compared with 37 in July and 55 in September.

As a result, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue (CFRS) have urged people to stay vigilant during the summer holidays to help stamp out nuisance anti-social fires.

Group Commander Chris Parker, responsible for community prevention at CFRS, said: “Out of the 167 deliberate fires in August that have taken place in the county over the past three years, 92 of them occurred between 6pm and midnight. “Therefore this is the time frame in which we would like residents to stay most vigilant and for parents to ensure they know the whereabouts of their children.

“Residents can also take extra steps to help prevent small fires being started deliberately by taking temptation away; keep bins out of sight and don’t overfill them, don’t leave piles of garden cuttings or wood lying around outside and install security lights on your property to act as a deterrent to opportunistic deliberate fire starters.”

People who see suspicious activity are urged to call police on 101. If any parent or carer is concerned about their child having an unhealthy interest in fire setting, then contact the fire service to see what help is available.

Visit www.cambsfire.gov.uk or e-mail firefire@cambsfire.gov.uk.