Bosses at the town’s fire station spoke out after the driest week of the year so far resulted in grass fires sparking up across the town.

And with every call out costing the fire service upwards of £3,000 and using up hours of valuable emergency services time, fireraisers are putting the public’s money and lives on the line.

Barrhead Fire Station commander John Divers (pictured above) said: “It’s a massive drain on Scottish Fire and Rescue resources and for every moment that our firefighters are out tackling small grass and litter fires, they are unable to respond to another call where a person’s life might be in danger.” The problem of grass fires has raised its head every year as youths and teens looking for cheap thrills take lighters and matches to dry, but otherwise pristine, greenspaces and countryside, scorching acres of grassland.

The resulting fires have gone on to cause considerable damage to local companies and farms, with some businesses reporting damages in excess of £10,000 as flames spread out of control.

More worryingly, some vandals have taken to throwing pressurised containers and other flammable materials and liquids into fires – putting their own safety, as well as that of others, at risk.

Commander Divers continued: “These fires can not be easily controlled and they will easily spread over great distances and at a much faster pace than most people would expect.

“It can be easy to find yourself in a situation where anyone lighting the fire has put themselves in danger as well as other people in the community.” Dan Littauer, a Darnley Road resident, watched the latest blaze spiral out of control as fire services rushed to the scene.

He was also quick to take his camera and snap off the dramatic night time shot of the latest blaze, from around 10pm on Wednesday last week.

He said: “Every summer youths, either drunk, on drugs or just with total contempt to the countryside, set fire to the glen just off Darnley Road by the Levern Walk.

“I called the fire brigade and they managed to control the fire. Aside from the irreversible damage to the environment, people and property may get also damaged or hurt.” Fire officers have urged anyone who sees people acting suspiciously in areas of countryside contact 101. For more from Commander Divers, including information on how to obtain a free home safety visit, and get in with your chance to win a luxury hamper from Tesco, see page 19.