Staffs fire service urges parents to talk to kids after rise in deliberate fires

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning parents to speak to their children about the dangers of starting fires, after a big jump in blazes believed to be set on purpose.

In April, firefighters dealt with 335 outdoor fires – and 72% of them are thought to have been started deliberately. That’s a 189% increase compared to April last year.

The fire service says the hot and dry weather means fires can spread fast.

Two recent examples include: A fire in a hedge on Old Hall Drive, Newcastle-under-Lyme, on 14 May, which spread to garden furniture.

Another blaze on 15 May in a woodland area off Hargreave Close, Meir Park, Stoke-on-Trent.

Luckily, no one was hurt in either incident, but both fires were started deliberately. Staffordshire Police are now investigating.

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