North Wales Fire appeal over reporting arson attacks
An appeal has been made for people to report deliberately started fires after crews spent several hours tackling a blaze at two properties in Flintshire.
Crews were called to the part-constructed houses in Greenfield early on Friday.
The fire which destroyed one house and severe damaged a second is thought to have been deliberate.
Paul Scott from North Wales Fire Service said arson was a "big drain" on resources.
"When crews are called to attend life-threatening incidents such as house fires and road traffic collisions, appliances are not diverted from a deliberate fire, they are the next available fire appliance," he said.
"This may involve a time delay which could prove fatal.
"We rely on parents and members of the community to work with us to drive home the messages on the consequences of deliberate fires - so we are appealing to the community to help ensure that the number of deliberate fires are kept to a minimum."