Fire that spread to Sandyford homes was caused by a disposable barbecue
Four firefighters were taken to hospital and one remains there today
A fire that spread from fields to gardens and homes in Sandyford, Stoke-on-Trent, was caused by a disposable barbecue.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the cause following an investigation.
What happened
Crews were first called to a grass area at the back of Wignall Road at about 4.15pm on Thursday 13th August.
The fire quickly spread from the fields to gardens and homes along Sandy Road and Maureen Avenue.
Firefighters worked with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service to make sure those affected were safely evacuated and given temporary accommodation.
Firefighters taken to hospital
Four firefighters were taken to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation and the effects of heat exhaustion.
Three have since been discharged, and one remains in hospital today, Wednesday 19th August.
The cause
The fire service said the cause has been identified as accidental, as a result of a disposable barbecue which ignited in Sandyford Park.
It began to spread rapidly due to the wind speed and extremely dry vegetation.
Station Manager Liam Hickey, who attended the scene, said: "This incident goes to show the devastation and impact that disposable barbeques can have on local communities.
"Although this incident took place before the temporary national ban was announced, it shows why it is so important that people adhere to these new rules and do everything possible to help protect people in Staffordshire from the risks of wildfires during a period of continued unpredicted demand.
"We are continuing to do everything we can to tackle these fires and carry out prevention activity in high risk areas, and we ask that people continue to take extra precautions to help ease the impact on local communities and emergency services who continue to work hard to keep people safe."