Firefighters tackle two deliberate fires at Stoke-on-Trent park
Crews rushed to Parkhall Country Park, off Hulme Road
Firefighters are warning people not to start deliberate fires after crews were called out twice to the same Stoke-on-Trent park.
Crews rushed to Parkhall Country Park, off Hulme Road, at around half past four on Friday afternoon (22 August) after reports of smoke.
Four fire engines attended and discovered a large grass blaze.
It was put out using beaters, backpacks and an extended hose reel jet.
No one was hurt.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue say deliberate fires like this can put lives at risk by tying up crews who may be needed elsewhere.
"strain on resources"
Station Manager Ant Ball, who attended the scene, said: “We later deemed this fire to have been caused deliberately. It started on a hillside where sunlight and wind caused it spread rapidly.
“Whilst we were dealing with this incident, we also located and extinguished a second deliberate fire in the same location.
“Deliberate fires put a significant strain on our resources and cause long-lasting damage to the environment.
“I would urge people to not light deliberate fires as the recent warm weather means that the ground is dry, meaning that fires can spread quickly and become out of control.
“I’d also encourage parents and guardians to speak to young people about the dangers of starting deliberate fires and the significant impact it can have on local life, the environment and communities.”