Fears for wildlife after nature reserve fires
LDRSSeveral fires that have damaged the landscape of a nature reserve risk killing wildlife, a councillor has warned.
Firefighters were called to five separate fires in March at the Carrs Nature Reserve in Pity Me, near Durham City.
Durham County Councillor Mark Wilkes said he was concerned anti-social behaviour was behind the fires and said he wanted to see emergency services ramp up patrols in the area.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said it was "committed to driving down deliberate fires" and work to achieve that included daily patrols.
The 20-acre site is a few minutes from the busy city centre, and attracts several different habitats, reports the Local Democracy Reporting service.
Wilkes, a Lib-Dem councillor, said: "There is a real risk that further fires will kill wildlife, including nesting birds.
"This is a unique site and we need whoever is doing this to stop."
He added arson was a "serious offence" and anyone who witnessed fires being set should inform police.
He said: "At the moment, the ground is still quite damp, but as we head into spring and summer, it's critical that we make sure this does not continue."
A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We are committed to driving down deliberate fires.
"Alongside the proactive work carried out by crews on a daily basis - which includes patrols in high-volume areas, rubbish reporting and education in schools - we also work closely with partners."
