FIRE chiefs were today bracing themselves for an arson-plagued summer after children started a blaze which gutted a mill -- on the day the school holidays started.

It took four hours for firefighters to put out the fire at the derelict Nunnhills Mill, New Church Road, Stacksteads, which started just after 4pm.

Ward councillor Michael McShea said: "Children have only been out of school for four hours. If this is an indication of the summer holidays it's not a good omen."

Station officer Peter Brandwood said the young arsonists were risking their lives and endangering his officers.

It is thought children set fire to rubbish on the ground floor of the building, which was used as a warehouse until two years ago. The blaze engulfed the three floors and spread a cloud of dark smoke over Stacksteads. The building was gutted but the adjoining Calder Marketing was unscathed, as firefighters isolated the blaze.

It follows a series of arson attacks in the past few years in the Rossendale area.

Nunnhills Mill, the scene of the alleged murder of caretaker Bryan Platt earlier this year, was set on fire several months ago. Sykeside Mill, Manchester Road, was set on fire in April, causing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

In 1999, £12million worth of damage was caused after the mills of Rossendale Slippers, National Carpet and Waterfoot were targeted.

Now it is feared that unless parents keep a more watchful eye on their children, or the derelict buildings are either sealed off or demolished, more incidents could follow. Coun McShea, added: "There are a lot of empty premises in Stacksteads. The problem is that we cannot close them off and that is a problem.

"They are difficult to make vandal proof. Some are in isolated areas too."

Station officer Peter Brandwood said parents should be aware of their children's whereabouts.

He said: "The children may think it is fun but they could get trapped inside and I have to send one of my officers in."

Police are appealing for anyone with information about yesterday's fire to contact them on 01706 873350.