POLICE have issued a stark warning after a series of deliberate fires were started in woodland around Cinderford during the recent hot weather.

On Friday, August 15, officers from the Forest South Neighbourhood Policing Team assisted Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service in tackling a blaze in the town. Since then, three further fires have been reported in the same location.

Police say that on three of the four occasions youths were either spotted nearby or fled the scene as fire crews arrived. Investigations are now ongoing to trace those responsible.

A police spokesperson said: “Arson is a serious criminal offence which places lives, property and the Forest itself at risk.

Beyond the legal consequences, these fires put unnecessary strain on emergency services and divert them from other potentially life-threatening incidents. With the current dry and hot weather, flames can spread rapidly and escalate out of control in minutes.”

Residents living close to the site have spoken of their frustration at the repeated incidents.

Sharon Mcelwee, who lives nearby, said the constant arrival of fire engines has become an almost weekly occurrence: “I live near this particular spot and our house is lit up like a Christmas tree at least once a week by fire engines as we have to call them due to fires in the woods or the old factories being set alight. Getting beyond a joke, a lot of the kids today have no respect.”

The fires have left parts of the woodland floor scorched and smoking, damaging wildlife habitats and leaving locals concerned for the future of one of the Forest’s most valued green spaces.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has urged people never to try tackling fires themselves. Instead, they advise calling 999 immediately, giving a landmark or map reference if possible, and waiting in a safe location for crews to arrive.