ANYONE who starts fires in dry grass and bracken on purpose risks a two year prison sentence and £5,000 fine, a police boss has said.

Mountain fires have ripped across Gwent since the beginning of April, approaching homes, destroying habitat for wildlife, and terrifying residents.

Most have been set deliberately, but the emergency services are trying to outwit the arsonists with plain clothes police officers out on patrol looking for any clues.

Gwent Police chief inspector Nick McLain, said: “People are failing to see the consequences behind these deliberate acts across Gwent. There are so many consequences to deliberately setting grass fires. I want to remind people that these are potentially serious crimes being committed. We have increased patrols taking place by uniformed and plain clothed officers across Gwent and remember, If you see a grass fire, call 999. If you have information on those starting fires, please call 101”.

He said those caught and prosecuted risks a two year prison sentence and £5,000 fine.

The out of control blazes put lives at risks as firefighters could be diverted from attending a real emergency like someone trapped in a house fire or involved in a car accident.

And the destroyed grassland has a serious impact on the environment, killing and injuring many of species of animals that live in such areas.

Local charity Gwent Wildlife Trust said the fires have already had a “severe” impact on the local ecosystem in this crucial spring breeding system.

Since the beginning of April this year, more than 623 deliberate fires have been started across South Wales with over 741 acres of grassland being affected.

Veronika Brannovic from Gwent Wildlife Trust said: “There is a perception locally that these hillsides are barren. In fact, they are home to a huge variety of wildlife and any fire started can have long term consequences for many species that are already under pressure. We are heartened by the community coming together to try to tackle this problem and very grateful to the work of volunteer spotters to help spot fires and limiting the damage.”

Animals that live on the hillsides and are in breeding season include shrews, foxes and grass snakes, and all are endangered by the flames.

As well as the immediate danger to people and wildlife, there is also the question of the longer term as plants and animals lose feeding and breeding opportunities.