Police have urged parents to “speak to your children” after a spate of bale fires in Perthshire fields.
It comes after recent fires in Blairgowrie, Alyth and Coupar Angus.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) says the incidents have “placed a significant drain on resources and prevent firefighters from potentially responding to more serious or life-threatening incidents.”
The service has also highlighted the financial cost to landowners and the possibility of flames spreading to nearby buildings – especially during periods of dry weather.
Officers from the police preventions, interventions and partnerships team urged vigilance, and for people to report any concerning activities.
A Police Scotland statement said: “We would also ask parents and carers to speak to their children and young people around the dangers and impacts of playing with fire.
“Parents and carers should ensure they know where their children are at all times.
“The consequences of setting fires can be serious – they can cause a risk to life, as well as significant damage to property.
“Our local farmers work hard all-year round, the financial implications of these fires can often be disastrous and limit the amount feed available for livestock.
“Police Scotland will investigate any criminal acts of fire-raising, along with our colleagues in the SFRS.”
Scottish Government agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said he was deeply concerned about the impact the fires could have on farmers and the welfare of livestock.
The Perthshire South and Kinross-shire SNP MSP encouraged adults to teach children the dangers of playing with fire.
He said: “I am deeply concerned about the recent bale fires across Perthshire.
“These fires pose a real danger to the lives of farmers, those responding to put them out, and any livestock.
“I would echo calls to make young people aware of the dangers of playing with fire.”