FIREFIGHTERS have tackled over 20 deliberate blazes in Inverclyde in the last WEEK amid fears that someone will be seriously hurt.

Crews have attended scores of grass fires in Port Glasgow and Greenock since April 18 and chiefs have joined forces with Police Scotland to find the culprits responsible.

Concern is growing for the safety of residents who live near where the mindless firestarters have set the blazes.

Meanwhile, Port councillor Chris Curley is urging an immediate stop to the 'dangerous game'.

He warned: "It is a possibility that someone is going to get badly hurt."

Even as Councillor Curley was speaking to the Telegraph, someone set grassland nearby ablaze.

Greenock Telegraph:

It is understood that fires have been set across Port Glasgow from Old Greenock Road to the back of Mid Auchinleck in just seven days.

Councillor Curley said: "I witnessed three separate fires in one night surrounding Port Glasgow.

"Fire officers said they had just come from Greenock where they were again putting out grass and bush fires."

Two of the fires have been set near Pladda Avenue in the Port.

Marilyn Cameron, of Slaemuir Tenants and Residents' Association, who lives at Auchenbothie Road, said: "I can see the fires from my window. I can see they are teenagers setting them.

"I'm very concerned that there is an area of open ground next to me. This is only the start of the good weather.

"What is it going to be like in the summer?"

Councillor Curley said: "These fires, which are left [by the firestarters] to burn uncontrolled, can spread rapidly and with the wind can jump across to properties and put lives at risk, including the lives of those who are setting them.

"They cause damage to the natural environment.

"They also distract and take up significant time for our valuable fire and rescue service, which means they are not best positioned to respond to other emergency calls when they come in.

"This is a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the fire service and I would ask anyone who has been involved in fire setting to reconsider their involvement."

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Since Tuesday, 18 April our crews have attended more than twenty grass fires in and around Port Glasgow, Inverclyde.

"We are aware of the recent spate of grass fires in this area and are working closely with Police Scotland to prevent these fires and are appealing to young people to consider the serious consequences of deliberate fire setting.

"We have a zero-tolerance policy towards this behaviour.

"It is a dangerous act committed by a small group of reckless and selfish individuals and can have devastating consequences if the fires spread to nearby properties.

"Our firefighters work extremely hard to engage with the public to promote safety messaging and parents, guardians and carers can also help by making sure that children and young people are aware of the risks of deliberate fire setting."

Councillor Curley is urging parents to be extra vigilant about the whereabouts of their children.

He said: "The council has a 'Do You Know' campaign, and if anybody has been near a fire they will most likely smell of smoke and I hope that would be a trigger to ask that question, for their safety and the safety of our community."