Young firebugs are being blamed for a spate of woodland and grass fires across the county.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called to 12 countryside fires between Thursday July 22 and Friday morning, July 23 - most of which were believed to have been started deliberately.

At 8am on Friday morning firefighters were called to a blaze in woodland off Swanton Road, West Peckham, where two hectares of undergrowth was reportedly alight. By 10.45 the fire was reported to be "surrounded" but crews were expected to be damping down "hotspots" for some time.

A little over an hour previously crews were called to tackle a "deep seated fire" in 30 sq m of undergrowth off Swanmead, Tonbridge. Flex packs, beaters and drag rakes were used in the fight.

Earlier that morning crews tackled a fire in a bush in Darenth Avenue reported at 1.24am.

Other incidents were reported in Swanscombe, Medway, Ramsgate, Sheppey, Strood and Aylesham.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service believes children are mainly to blame for the increase in deliberate fires - which coincides with the start of the school holidays - and have reissued warnings sent out before the holidays that young arsonists can face huge fines or even a custodial sentence in a young offenders’ institution.

KFRS Community Safety Delivery Manager Lawrence Pater said young people needed to be "very clear that arson is a crime and certainly not harmless fun."

He added: "Deliberate fires are destructive and dangerous; those who cause them are putting themselves, and others, at serious risk.

"Not only does deliberate fire setting have an impact on the environment and community in which we all live and work, it also has the potential to divert valuable fire-fighting resources away from other incidents such as house fires or road traffic collisions where lives may be in danger."

Arson with the intent to endanger life carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Deliberate fire setting that doesn’t endanger life or cause criminal damage can lead to anti-social behaviour orders or community service.