Three 'deliberate' fires started at Stoke-on-Trent country park
Firefighters were called to Park Hall Country Park in Longton yesterday (19 July)
Last updated 20 hours ago
An investigation has been launched after three 'deliberate' fires were started at a Stoke-on-Trent country park.
Firefighters were called to Park Hall Country Park in Longton at around 12.50pm yesterday (19 July) following reports of smoke coming from the area.
While crews tackled the first fire, two more were reported nearby.
Firefighters went to the other reported fires on foot and found a large area of vegetation burning.
Crews were at the scene for nearly 24 hours working to dampen down and monitor hotspots.
"Completely unacceptable"
Group Manager Jordan Money attended the scene. He said: “The cause of all the fires at Park Hall Country Park yesterday were deemed to be deliberate.
"This is completely unacceptable and we are working alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Police to support an investigation into those responsible."
He continued: “Deliberate fires not only strain our resources but also cause extensive damage to local landscapes and wildlife."
Police appeal for information
Inspector Rebecca Price, from the Stoke-on-Trent south local policing team, said: “As firefighters were working to extinguish a fire, another one would be set nearby.
“We are aware that there were three or four teenagers in the area at the time, wearing balaclavas and riding e-scooters.
“We are keen to speak to these teenagers as part of our enquiries, and I would urge anyone who knows who they might be to contact us."
Anyone with information or footage which could help the police investigation is being urged to call 101, quoting incident 453 of 19 July.
Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.