Young people are believed to be responsible for 46 fires across Kent during the first week of the Easter holidays, and two parts of Medway are among some of most notorious in the county.

Coney Banks in Chatham and the Great Lines Heritage Park, Gillingham have been identified by Kent Fire and Rescue Service as two problem areas.

Last Tuesday (April 3), firefighters were called to three grass fires in Coney Banks, next to Magpie Hall Road, within a matter of hours.

Firefighters have attended a range of outdoor fires, involving rubbish, grassland, bushes and trees since the start of the school holidays on March 31.

Of 119 grassland and rubbish blazes, 85 are believed to have been started deliberately and it is suspected that young people are believed to be responsible for over half.

Stuart Skilton, KFRS community safety manager, said: "Whether started deliberately or through carelessness, these fires can easily spread out of control, destroying wildlife and putting people’s lives, including those of firefighters, and property at risk.

"The consequences for individuals caught committing arson are serious and can result in large fines or several years in jail – possibly a life sentence if someone is killed as a result of their actions."

Members of the public are advised to not discard cigarettes out of car windows and to extinguish barbeques and bonfires properly.

Parents should keep matches and lighters out of the way of young people, not leave youngsters to wander in the countryside unsupervised and ensure that they are aware of the dangers of fire.