FIREFIGHTERS have tackled 173 deliberate grass fires in Gwent in the last two weeks, prompting the chief fire officer to urge arsonists to think about the impact of their actions.

From April 1 to April 15, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) attended 473 grass fires, with the vast majority being deliberately started.

In Blaenau Gwent, firefighters attended 65 deliberate grass fires, 61 in Caerphilly, 23 in both Newport and Torfaen and one in Monmouthshire.

The fire service is now urging communities across South Wales to consider the impact that deliberate grass fires have on the countryside and on the firefighters tackling the blazes.

On Wednesday (april 15), SWFRS attended more than 50 deliberately set grass in a 24-hour period including Brynmawr crews attending a grass fire on the Cock and Chick mountain in Cwmtillery where around 100sqm was "well alight" at 6.43pm.

The same crew later tackled a fire on the Arael Mountain received at 9.10pm and a crew from Abersychan tackled a mountain fire at the British in Talywain at 8.19pm.

Yesterday afternoon (THURS), Aberbargoed crew attended a grass fire in Trelen Blackwood and crews from Tredegar attended forestry on fire in Abertysswg.

Assistant chief fire officer Richard Prendergast said yesterday afternoon that around 20 per cent of the service's facilities were out fighting grass fires.

The Easter period is historically a peak period for deliberate grass fires and the service’s fire crime unit, in partnership with PCSOs from both Gwent and South Wales Police, carry out high visibility patrols in key areas of risk.

These patrols have resulted in two arrests and a number of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs).

Huw Jakeway, chief fire officer for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As a Service, we recognise the impact deliberate grass fires have on the communities of South Wales and we continue to direct our resources to prevent these fires occurring in the first place.

“This type of incident can no longer be seen as ‘risk free fun’ and the service is committed to working with our communities to change this culture through engaging hearts and minds.

“We are urging our communities to think about the consequences of deliberate fire setting and the impact on the countryside and wildlife, as well as the risks to our firefighters and their safety when tackling these incidents.

“Deliberate grass fires are an act of arson, which is a serious crime and we work closely with both Police Services to bring those responsible to justice.”

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging communities to report any suspicious activity to the Fire Crime Unit on 01443 232380 or calling 101.