Residents at the eastern end of the Island will soon be getting leaflets through their doors to warn them about a series of arson attacks.

Fires in Warden Bay are worrying firefighters who have been called out to 125 incidents in the area since April last year.

Two thirds of those fires are believed to have been started on purpose.

Although all the incidents were dealt with quickly, crews fear someone could be hurt if one gets out of control.

To tackle the issue, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) will be sending representatives into schools to talk to the children about safety.

Leaflets will also be delivered showing burns suffered by Sittingbourne firefighter Mat Barney while dealing with a grass fire at Dartford Heath in 2005.

Sheppey watch manager Tony Fox said: “We believe these incidents have been started deliberately and everyone needs to be very clear that arson is a crime and certainly not harmless fun.

“Deliberate fires are destructive and dangerous. Those who cause them are putting themselves, firefighters and others at serious risk.

“It affects the environment, the community and it also has the potential to divert valuable fire-fighting resources away from other incidents such as house fires or road traffic collisions where lives may be in danger.”

KFRS risk reduction manager Gary Stanford said residents could play their part by disposing of rubbish and cigarettes carefully and reporting any fires.

He added: “Those who deliberately start fires must be made aware that, if they are caught, they face fines or several years in jail, possibly a life sentence if someone is killed as a result of their actions.”