A SPATE of deliberate fires in and around Wrexham is putting a strain on fire service resources.

Fire bosses have raised concerns after a number of blazes in the Wrexham area around Alyn Waters, Llay and in Bradley where a deliberate fire on Thursday covered an area of 300 square metres.

Vandals also torched 30 square metres of rubbish in Bradley just before 7.30pm on Saturday and a small quantity of grass was set alight deliberately on Hoel Gwenallt, Coedpoeth, at about 8.30pm on Saturday. Police patrols are being stepped up after it emerged there were 56 deliberate fires in April, compared with 31 in April 2010.

The fires are having a major resource impact on North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and there are concerns the arsonists are putting themselves and others at risk.

Members of Wrexham Community Safety Partnership are working together to prevent further incidents.

Patrols are being conducted by both North Wales Police and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The arson reduction team is visiting youth clubs and working to educate young people about the dangers of starting fires and the impact this can have on young people, the community and the fire service.

Sgt Andy Piggott, of the North Wales Arson Reduction Team, said: “We are asking shops to be mindful of who they are selling lighters and matches to, and trading standards in Wrexham are visiting stores .

“We are also trying to engage with youngsters through both North Wales Police and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s official Facebook page.

“Parents are asked to be mindful if their children are coming home and their clothes smell of smoke.

“If parents have concerns about their children setting fires, they can contact North Wales Fire and Rescue Service at the Wrexham office on 01978 367 870.”

- FIREFIGHTERS were called to a fire at a factory at about 1.15pm on Friday.

Two crews from Wrexham and Buckley tackled the blaze, caused by a fault in machinery at Sharp Manufacturing, of Llay Industrial Estate .

No-one was hurt and the fire was out on arrival.

- A 4x4 caught light near a garden centre on Saturday morning.

The vehicle was close to the Waterways Aquatic and Garden Centre on Holt Road Wrexham when the fire started just after 10am.

The fire was out on arrival and is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.