THIS picture show the devastation caused when youths set fire to grassland on Canvey.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service released these aerial images yesterday after youths started six grass fires on the island.

They show the damage caused by the blazes, which happened in the Winter Gardens and Church Parade areas.

The fire service, which was called to six fires in one day, said young people needed to think of the danger they were causing to themselves and others.

Neil Fenwick, the fire service's divisional officer for community safety, said: “During the school summer holiday we see a sharp increase in the number of field and grass fires.

“Young people who deliberately start fires need to think about what they are doing.

These fires might start small, but they soon spread over wide areas.

“They can easily spread to engulf buildings and cause injuries. Not only that, but they are extremely time consuming for firefighters to tackle and while crews are tied up tackling grass fires ,they are not available to attend emergencies elsewhere.

“By starting grass fires you are not only risking injury to yourselves and others, including firefighters, you also risk criminal prosecution, a fine or even a prison sentence.”

The fires swept across the island last Tuesday, July 28, prompting calls from councillors for youngsters to be given better education about the danger of fire while at school.

Other fires have been reported in the Smallgains area of the island.

Peter Greig, Canvey Independent Party councillor for Winter Gardens ward, said: “It’s all about educating children about the dangers and consequences. I’d like to see fire and police services visiting schools more often to teach about fires.”

The fire service advises people heading out to enjoy green spaces this summer to avoid open fires in the countryside, put out cigarettes and other smoking materials properly, report a fire immediately and not to attempt to tackle fires with buckets of water.