Vandals setting fires are putting lives at risk, the Grimsby Fire Department is warning.

In less than a month, firefighters and the Niagara Regional Police have investigated more than eight incidents of vandalism fires throughout the town.

Vince Giovannini, Fire Prevention Inspector for the Grimsby Fire Department, says it appears to be a problem that returned after stopping last spring. In April, they reported there had been more than a dozen fires in just a few months.

"School had finished last year and they seemed to die down," said Giovannini. "Now school's back in and we're seeing it happen again."

Fires are being set in a variety of spots, he said, including outhouses, dumpsters or mailboxes. The most recent case was more serious when, on Sept. 13, suspects broke into a home under construction on Main Street East. They started a small fire, say police, which resulted in $10,000 damage.

"It's getting more and more serious," said Giovannini. "We're seeing fires that are getting close to buildings, or adjacent to buildings, and it's a real safety risk."

While last year it was one targeted area around Kerman Avenue, near Livingston Avenue, Giovannini said this time around it is more of a sporadic problem.

While the fires may seem like a prank, said Giovannini, they can easily get out of control. He notes "all big fires can start small", and fire is unpredictable.

"Whoever is setting these is not thinking of the consequences of their actions and who they're putting at risk," he said.

That includes themselves, the public, as well as the part-time volunteer firefighters responding to the various calls.

Punishment for anyone caught will include criminal charges, including arson - an indictable offence.

"If someone is caught, we will be pursuing charges 100 per cent," said Giovannini. "We are taking this very seriously."

Police are also taking it seriously, said Det. Sgt. Richard Frayne. Recently, he said, an officer from 8 District completed an arson course and will be working on incidents within the detachment area.

"We now have the expertise in our office to deal with this," he said, noting previously there was only one arson investigator for the entire NRP.

In addition to seeking assistance from police, the department has been in touch with the high schools to inform principals about the incidents. The NRP's liaison officers with the schools are working in the schools to talk about the dangers of arson.

The fire department, said Giovannini, has even started to patrol areas of concern, in order to try and minimize the threat. The public, he said, can also work to try and minimize the threat.

"We're encouraging property owners to ensure their property is safe and secure," he said, adding areas that are well lit and open to view are less likely to be targeted to the vandals.

If they do see a fire, they are encouraged to call 911. If they have witnessed anything in past incidents, they are encouraged to call police at 905-945-2211, ext. 5403. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.