FIREFIGHTERS say youths starting fires in derelict buildings could be putting lives at risk.

They say they are constantly being called out to blazes at the buildings in Back Bark Street, off Pool Street near the town centre — diverting their resources from more serious fires.

Crews have been called out to the area 10 times in the past 24 months. In the latest incident on Thursday, firefighters were called out at 7pm after reports that youths were using wood to start a fire.

Police were also called to the scene after reports of the youths climbing onto the roofs of buildings.

Carl Greaves, watch manager at Bolton Central Fire Station, said: “We had a problem with youths again. There was evidence that there have been a number of fires in that area.

“They have been starting bonfires and throwing accelerants in. They were climbing on the roofs as well. People really need to be ringing the 101 police non-emergency number and reporting these things.”

Mr Greaves said that the fire service is looking to work with police to try to combat the problems after a number of calls to that area.

He said: “For us the most important thing is if we’re out dealing with small fires it takes resources away from more serious ones.”

The latest incident comes just a week after firefighters in Bolton warned of the dangers of starting small fires.

Last week the service was tied up by a number of fires in the town and parents were asked to make sure they knew what their children are up to.

Mr Greaves warned that there is CCTV across the town centre so any youths starting fires could be caught.