FIRE and police officials have condemned the starting of nuisance fires after two were lit within hours of each other.

On Sunday, firefighters from Barrow were forced to respond to two separate incidents where people had deliberately started fires.

The incidents, which took place around two hours apart, have been criticised for wasting time, and putting lives at risk.

The first fire was reported at 2.28pm, at the former Queens Arms pub at the bottom of Rawlinson Street, by Salthouse Road.

The pub, although empty, still prompted two appliances to be called out to tackle the fire.

Later in the day, another fire was reported at 4.43pm. An old office chair had been set alight in Stephen Street, behind the Barrow branch of Nat West in Dalton Road.

Barrow area commander Stuart Dolan said: "Can I please ask that whoever has been deliberately starting these recent fires seriously consider the ramifications of such actions.

"These avoidable fires not only tie up fire appliances, but potentially place the lives of other local people and firefighters at risk. Furthermore, what could initially start as a small fire, can easily develop into a larger incident, which makes such situations even more dangerous."

Police were also involved after the youths were seen climbing on buildings.

Inspector Mike O’Hagan from Barrow police said: "Climbing buildings or starting fires are obviously incredibly dangerous activities. They could result in serious injuries to both those directly involved and innocent bystanders. I would urge anyone who sees someone acting suspiciously to report it to the police so that we can investigate.”