Seven out of nine Bonfire Night arson attacks reported to emergency services in North Wales happened in Wrexham.

Fire crews were called to the nine fires in the space of six hours, with the other two occurring in Garden City, Flintshire, and in Caernarfon.

Crews tackling several blazes in Southsea were also threatened with fireworks and subjected to abuse from a group of youths.

One of the fires involved a derelict farmhouse in Rossett, which tied up firefighters overnight and into Tuesday morning.

Details of the nine incidents in North Wales on Monday night:

  • 17.31 St Helen Street, Caernarfon - Unnoccupied bonfire alight
  • 18.47 Forge Road, Southsea - Bin on fire
  • 19.32 Sandy Lane, Garden City - Bag of refuse in middle of carriageway
  • 19.56 Caia Park - Rubbish in a field
  • 20.23 Forge Road, Southsea - Two wheelie bins on fire
  • 20.40 Rhosnesni Lane, Wrexham - Vehicle Fire
  • 20.52 Forge Road, Southsea - One wheelie bin on fire
  • 21.41 Bryn yr Onnen, Southsea - Small quantity of rubbish
  • 23.22 Gamford In, Rossettt, Wrexham – Derelict farmhouse

Officers have condemned the group's behaviour and appealed to members of the community to help report deliberate firestarters.

Tim Owen, Arson Reduction Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Unfortunately this group was a very small minority of people – the support of our communities in the work that we do is immense and I would like to thank everyone who has helped us and supported the Be a Nice Guy (BANG) campaign to drive down instances of deliberate firestarting and anti social behaviour during the bonfire and Halloween season.

“However, this type of antisocial behaviour is completely unacceptable - we will not tolerate abuse or attacks directed towards our staff members. Our firefighters are working to protect our communities and should not be subject to abuse of any nature whilst doing that.

“Deliberate incidents such as these put extra pressure on fire and rescue resources - whilst crews are busy dealing with these incidents, there could be a real need for the resources to attend a life threatening situation elsewhere in the county. Deliberate fires are a serious crime and in conjunction with North Wales Police we will pursue convictions.”

Wrexham Rural Inspector Steve Owens added: “The build up to bonfire night went well with few reports of anti-social behaviour.

“This is in part was down to the cooperation of the community and the various agencies working together.

“Unfortunately last night a small group of young people caused a disproportionate amount of demand and damage, which is unacceptable. We have the names of suspects and are linking in with agencies and the council’s housing department to identify those responsible and take appropriate action.”

Anyone with information relating to deliberate fires is asked to contact officers at North Wales Police. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.