Concerns have been raised following a "worrying spike" in deliberate fire-setting at a north Shropshire beauty spot.
Firefighters were called out to The Mere in Ellesmere on Tuesday (August 4) morning to reports of a 'fire in the open' which turned out to be a bonfire.
But the town centre crew has now turned to social media to warn people of the dangers of such acts and voice their concerns.
READ MORE | Firefighters called to concern at Ellesmere's Mere
They said: "This morning at 08:14 the Ellesmere crew were mobilised to a ‘fire in the open’ in the area of the Mere in Ellesmere.
"This incident was a smouldering bonfire which had been left.
"Crews used buckets of water to extinguish and dampen down surrounding area.
"Ellesmere has seen a worrying spike in deliberate fire setting in this area. The Mere grounds have a no-fire policy, including disposal of barbecues, campfires and bonfires.
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"These actions pose a significant risk to the grounds and surrounding area."
They went on to ask anyone who may know of someone setting fires deliberately to get in touch with them, adding: "If you know our suspect anyone of deliberate fire setting, please contact Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service for advice and help through our Deliberate Fire Setters scheme.
"Sorry for the long post, but this is a genuine concern for our town."
Ellesmere Fire Station issued a similar warning following a spate of small fires in The Mere area back in June.
Meanwhile, police in Oswestry have increased patrols in the Unicorn Road Skate Park area after an increase in fire-setting and anti-social behaviour.
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