AN APPEAL to report deliberate arsonists has been launched after a large inferno engulfed Hope mountain last night.

North Wales Fire and Rescue were called to reports of a blaze at Hope Mountain near the Flintshire / Wrexham border at around 8pm on Thursday night, involving 8000 square metres of gorse and bracken.

The Leader:

Firemen tackle blaze at Hope Mountain on Thursday evening. Picture: Jordan Jones

The fire is thought to have been started deliberately.

Tim Owen, arson reduction manager, said: "This type of irresponsible behaviour is completely unacceptable, and it was very fortunate that no one was hurt.

"Deliberate fires are a serious form of anti-social behaviour with potentially lethal consequences and we are working closely with the police to identify those responsible.

"We would encourage anyone with information on arson to call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Crews from Wrexham, Mold, Deeside and Llangollen tackled the flames overnight which was visible for miles around, with hosereel jets until it was extinguished on Friday morning.

A spokesman for NWP encouraged anyone with information to contact their non-emergency phone line on 101.