The spree, which included about eight incidents when a motorbike, bins and a derelict building were set ablaze, could have hindered firefighters' response in the event of a major blaze.

Arsonists are thought to be behind all the fires, which were started in locations across Peterborough.

Today, watch manager at Stanground fire station Tim Thompson spelled out the impact yobs had made on the service.

He said: "These type of deliberate incidents stretch our resources to the limit.

"If a call of a more serious nature came through, appliances from surrounding villages would have to be called out and would be slower to attend – and slower to save lives.

"At one point last night, we had four fire engines dealing with the derelict building fire.

"We only have two full-time fire stations in the city, so if there was a major incident, it would be difficult for us.

"Yaxley was on standby in Stanground in case we needed back-up, but we only have finite resources."

The biggest of the blazes happened at 2.40am today in Shakespeare Avenue, New England.

Crews from Dogsthorpe and Stanground arrived at the scene to find a derelict workshop well alight, and requested back-up from two more pumps – Thorney and Peterborough Volunteers.

They had to use breathing apparatus in tackling the flames engulfing the 30m by 10m building to bring the fire under control.

They were due to re-inspect the site this morning.

Earlier, a crew from Dogthorpe was called to a abandoned motorcycle which had been torched in Monarch Avenue, Fletton, at 9pm yesterday.

Then at 1.20am today, they received reports that a large pile of rubbish behind the Greyhound pub in Lincoln Road had been set alight.

Police had to close the road to allow crews access to a water source.

A shed was set alight at 4.30am in Ferndale Way, Dogsthorpe.

And at 5am, firefighters were called out to Fulbridge Road after a wheelie bin was targeted by firebugs.

Stanground firefighters were kept similarly busy. At 1.50am they tackled a rubbish fire in Maskew Avenue and were called to the rear of Francis Gardens twice – once when a fence had been torched and then back again at 4.45am when tree cuttings had been set on fire.