by Julia Roberts

juroberts@thekmgroup.co.uk

The weather may well be dampening spirits but firefighters will be out in force today (Thurs) to warn people of the dangers of starting deliberate fires.

Crews are visiting Dartford Heath where in the past year almost 75% of all blazes are believed to have been caused by arsonists.

The actual number of fires in the area has, however, been reduced by 20% since September last year, and firefighters are now working alongside heath rangers in a bid to continue driving down the figures.

They will be talking to young people, highlighting the serious consequences of deliberate fire setting, as well as giving fire safety advice to other people who visit Dartford Heath.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service will also be armed with their latest fire-fighting weapon - a fire-fogging unit which can get to hard to reach areas and identify potential arson sites.

The four-wheel drive vehicle is equipped with a high-powered hose and is designed to fight woodland and grassland fires.

Dartford crew manager Bob Chilmaid said: "Countryside fires are dangerous because they're unpredictable. They spread through undergrowth very quickly and change direction without warning.

"They put lives at risk, threatening wildlife and devastating areas of beauty. Arson also puts our firefighters in unnecessary danger and ties up resources that could be needed for a real emergency."

KFRS will be on Dartford Heath between 1pm and 5pm today and on Monday July 2.