A FIRE was started inside a derelict building where firefighters are having persistent problems with youths.

Crews were called to the old Wheatfield Day Centre in Victoria Avenue inside which a pile of rubbish had been burned.

A warning has been issued to parents following the incident — the fifth fire at the site in the last 12 months.

Whitefield crew manager Martin Scholes said: "We were called to the former adult day centre at 7.40pm on Wednesday, April 18.

"We used breathing apparatus and a hose reel to tackle the fire, as well as two fans to ventilate the building.

"We have had numerous incidents at the site in the past year, including five fires, caused by youths.

"We ask that parents know what their children are doing, especially now that the nights are lighter and to warn them of the dangers of starting fires — both to themselves and to the fire crews.

"These incidents are also wasting the fire service's valuable time. We need to be available to attend other incidents involving people rather than rubbish fires in derelict buildings."

Crews were called to the blaze by a resident in a neighbouring property. They remained in attendance for 50 minutes.