FIREFIGHTERS have slammed the behaviour of youths who set fire to a bin in a skatepark yesterday.

A crew was called to the blaze at Bridport's outdoor skatepark at 6.52pm on Wednesday, August 10.

Firefighters across Dorset have had to deal with nearly three times as many fires as they did this time last year and the fire service said that this type of behaviour takes its 'already stretched resources from more critical incidents'.

After getting the names of suspected culprits, the firefighters spoke to the youths' guardians.

A spokesman for Bridport Fire Station said: "One pump mobilised to Bridport outdoor skate park after youngsters set fire to a bin. Crews used a bucket of water to extinguish the fire.

"We were able to obtain two names and one address for the possible culprits. We took the opportunity to visit and talk with the child's guardian and also a rather embarrassed child who arrived home whilst we were there.

"It's goes without saying this type of behaviour is unacceptable and dangerous. This type of behaviour takes our already stretched resources away from more critical incidents.

"DWFRS have been incredibly busy lately and many of our stations, including crews from Bridport, have been away from their day-to-day work commitments and their families because of this.

"Please act responsibly during this very dry spell and if you have children or young people in your care, please advise them about the dangers of fire-setting.

"For more information on fire-setting please follow the link https://www.dwfire.org.uk/education/firesetters"