Firefighters were called out to a deliberate blaze in Carlisle yesterday.
Carlisle East Fire Station were called at around 6.25pm to a fire on Langrigg Road.
A group of youths had set fire to a derelict shed behind Langrigg House.
Firefighters had to extinguish the blaze using a hosereel.
A spokesperson for Carlisle East Fire Station said: "Not only is arson extremely dangerous, and a crime- it also ties up our resources if we are needed for a life risk incident.
"There are only two fire engines based in the city, and it takes both fire engines to safety tackle a house fire or deal with a road traffic collision.
They said: "Preventable incidents like these delay our response, and could be the difference between life and death should a life risk incident occur."
Cumbria Police are currently investigating the act of arson.
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