It will roll out today when crews take to the streets where there has been a high amount of fire activity.

Firefighters will be sweeping hotspots to reduce the risk of fire by identifying areas with rubbish and report it to get it removed, report any unsecured empty properties as well as having a high presence in the area to deter fire setters.

The station has also arranged for crews to go into schools in the area to speak to the children about fire safety and the consequences of arson. They will also be encouraging residents to have Home Fire Safety Checks to make their home safer from fire.

Grangetown station manager Frank Sweeney said: "Operation FIFA is going to continue throughout June in conjunction with the run-up to the World Cup.

"In the Brigade area 90pc of all fires are arson but looking at figures in the last four weeks, every fire that we attended in Grangetown was deliberately set. This meant that crews were needlessly committed to incidents, using up valuable resources.

"We have set up Operation FIFA to target areas that are targeted by fire setters, to reduce the risk by getting rubbish removed that can be set alight, and get any empty properties that are insecure, boarded up, as well as speak to the local community to make the area a safer place.

"Last year, Grangetown Fire Station attended 1,148 deliberate fires in their area. A lot of the fires set are small rubbish and grass fires often started by children. I would urge all parents to inform their children of the dangers of fire setting. It is a danger to the children involved but it also affects fire engine availability.

"I would like to ask that anyone who hasn't had a home fire safety check to request one today by calling 01429 874063. We give vital fire safety advice, can answer any questions, help make an escape plan in case of a fire and fit smoke alarms all free of charge."

Written by Evening Gazette - Middlesbrough