North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging owners of disused buildings to be vigilant and secure premises against arson following two suspicious fires in the region in the last two days.

Four firefighter crews from Rhyl and Prestatyn were called to an incident at the former Grange Hotel on East Parade, Rhyl in the early hours of this morning (11th May) at 0.5.17 hrs where they used four sets of breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and a main jet to tackle the fire. An annexe and part of the ground floor of the main building was destroyed in the incident.

Three appliances from Holywell, Deeside and Flintattended a suspected case of arson at an incident at the former LluestyHospitalon Old Chester Rdon 10^th May at 00.32 hrs. The fire was confined to the first floor and two sets of breathing apparatus, a main jet and a hose reel jet were used in dealing with the incident.

Arson Reduction Manager Kevin Jones said: "It appears that both fires were started deliberately. Fortunately no one was injured but these incidents are worrying as they present a serious possibility that fire could have developed unnoticed putting lives at serious risk.

"As it was, these reckless acts tied up life saving resources, putting the lives of other people, including fire fighters at risk.

"I am urging owners of such buildings to take seriously the threat of arson in their Premises' Fire Risk Assessments. This will assist in the protection of life and business assets."

"Deliberate fires are a serious form of anti-social behaviour and will not be tolerated. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is working closely with North Wales Police and other partner agencies to try and eradicate this problem. Prosecutions will be pursued - anyone with information on such activities to report it to North Wales Police on 101 or crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."