Deliberate outdoor fires surge in Staffordshire

Firefighters have dealt with around 140 deliberate outdoor fires across Staffordshire this month, with nearly 80 incidents occurring in Stoke-on-Trent, including a significant blaze at Hanley's Central Forest Park.

"We are experiencing extremely high demand across Staffordshire at the moment" said Nick Jones, Head of Prevent at Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service.

"What can start out as a bit of fun can have devastating consequences, not only because lives are put at risk, but landscapes can be destroyed and our resources strained, meaning we can’t be at other ongoing incidents.

"I am urging parents to speak to their children about the dangers of setting deliberate fires."

Local Peak District farmer Jane Bassett described the situation as a "ticking time bomb" until animals are hurt, and how she continues to witness people lighting fires or barbeques in the countryside. Her most recent spot was a couple who brought a gas stove with them, to cook their dinner outside.

Recent fires in Staffordshire

3rd July: Eleven appliances were used to extinguish a grass fire in Stafford, assisted by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service. The cause was deemed deliberate.

13th July: A grass fire off Adbaston Lane, Stafford, was brought under control by multiple crews. The cause was deemed deliberate.

15th July: Park Hall Country Park experienced a deliberate fire extinguished by three appliances. It was deemed deliberate.

20th July: A three-hectare crop fire in Rocester was tackled by three appliances and a water carrier. The cause was deemed accidental.

26th July: A large wildfire off The Moor in Fradley, Lichfield, required seven appliances and was deemed deliberate.

29th July: Firefighters tackled a deliberate grass fire at Central Forest Park, Hanley, with three appliances attending. The fire was deemed deliberate.

Group Manager Rich Williams, who attended to the Hanley incident, said:

"Deliberately setting fires.... such as this not only place members of the public at risk, especially children and families using the park, but also create unnecessary demand on emergency services.

"Resources committed to preventable incidents may not be immediately available for other serious emergencies elsewhere.

"The fire also caused considerable damage to the parkland, destroying a large area of grass and shrubbery used regularly by locals for recreation, including dog walking and other outdoor activities."

The community is being urged to take extra precautions during the warm weather to prevent further incidents.

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