FIREFIGHTERS have warned arsonists that they are risking lives after Blackburn's crew was called out 10 times in five hours.

From 6pm on Sunday, firefighters were called all over the town to put out deliberately started fires, including bonfires, rubbish fires and wheelie bins set alight in Shadsworth Drive, Fishmoor Drive, Davenport Road, Audley Range, Bombay Street, Ballantrae Road and Woodfield Place in Revidge.

Crew manager Damian Hartley said: "It was a crazy night and we were sent all over the place. We need to get the message across that sending fire engines to unnecessary fires can cost lives. Fortunately there were no house fires last night, but if there had been we cannot be in two places at once."