Firefighters tackling the Chase Terrace High School fire

Staffordshire Fire Service want teachers to take a number of safety precautions before closing schools for the summer holidays.

In some cases, fire officers will visit schools in person and ensure the schools are secure and all safety procedures are followed.

In 2002 there were 20 school fires across Staffordshire, half of which were started deliberately.

Arson attack

Chase Terrace High School, in Burntwood, has been fitted with a sprinkler system after �15m worth of damage was caused in an arson attack in August 2002.

Four mobile classrooms at Blessed William Howard Catholic High School, were destroyed in December 2002 in an arson attack.

The fire service has highlighted a number of schools thought to be particularly vulnerable to arson.

Firefighters will be working with the police and local education authorities to ensure they get the message across before schools are closed for the summer holidays.

Throughout the holidays the schools will then be visited to make sure security is in place.