FIRE chiefs have issued a ‘be vigilant’ alert as the tally of arson attacks on barns in the Teignbridge area has jumped to six in as many weeks over the New Year break.

Farmers and members of the public are being urged to be on their guard amid concerns the offenders may strike again.

Tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of damage has been caused since the culprits hit the arson trail in Compton, just outside Teignbridge, at the end of November.

The call for watchfulness came as barns in Denbury and Lower Dawlish Water – between Dawlish and Ashcombe – were burned to the ground on Monday and Tuesday.

Fire investigators and police have joined forces to share intelligence in the hunt for those responsible.

The National Farmer’s Union has also entered the frame with its members being advised on how best to protect their vulnerable and remote properties.

Fire chiefs have revealed that tying up multiple manpower on such shouts is putting lives at risk elsewhere – a scenario played out in Paignton where a man was rescued from a flat fire on New Year’s Day while firefighters from the resort were dealing with the barn fire at Denbury.

South Devon Group Commander Matt Johnson said: ‘When someone deliberately sets fire to a barn they are committing a serious criminal offence and potentially putting the lives of the public and firefighters at risk.

‘There are often combustible materials such as gas cylinders, fertilisers, chemicals or fuel in barns which can be extremely dangerous when in contact with fire. In addition, these are often time-consuming fires to deal with, which means fire crews may not be available for other incidents.’

Anyone with information about the attacks should contact police on 101.

The Denbury alarm was raised just after 9pm on January 1 while the Lower Dawlish Water shout was at 2.35am the following day.

Arsonists have so far struck at Compton, once on November 18 and a second time 11 days later; at Fluder Hill in Kingskerswell on December 1; Stokeinteignhead on December 21; Denbury on January 1 and Lower Dawlish Water just 24 hours later.

Fire chiefs’ advice on reducing fire risks is:

Maintain a good standard of security for all outbuildings

Prevent easy access to fuel and chemical stores

Repair or replace any damaged fencing or gates

Make sure warning notices are displayed

Install intruder sensors and security lighting

Keep dogs or geese to give an early warning of intruders.