Community safety officers, police and partners join forces to prevent wildfires

Our Community Safety Officers (CSOs) and officers from Staffordshire Police have joined forces with partners to help prevent secondary/wildfires across Staffordshire this summer.

Local CSOs have been working with policing team officers from Cannock and the Environment Agency to patrol a number of key hot spot areas to offer advice and support to the public.

The areas patrolled include Hednesford Hills, Etching Hill mount and Marquis Drive in Cannock, amongst others.

The teams aim to conduct high visibility patrols in the identified areas at least once a week.

CSOs Harry Noon, who is the secondary/wildfire prevention lead covering the west area for

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We vary the pattern of our visits so people can’t predict when we will be out on patrol.

“The weather this year has meant we’ve seen a spike in these types of fires quite early on, which is why we’ve been doing the patrols since around mid-March.

“We often don’t get called to these types of fires, as people often put them out themselves and put themselves and others at risk in doing so.

“So we’re trying to get as many people on board as possible, including dog-walkers, ramblers, horse-riders, cyclists, any visitors to the areas to let us know about any barbeques (BBQs) or any other fires taking place, so we can take action.

“Each patrol we do gets a lot of attention and people are genuinely interested in the work we are doing, so I would encourage them to keep an eye out for us.”

Last week, the team identified a family using a disposable BBQ in grassland on Essex Bridge near Great Haywood, with officers and CSO’s giving the man appropriate advice.

“It’s important that people realise there is a blanket ban on BBQs, fires and open flames in these areas across Staffordshire, and that to do so not only risks public health and safety but could lead to a significant fine.”

As part of the project, officers have also set up the mobile police station at various locations work closely with our CSOs to put out appropriate signage.

PCSO Keaton Martin, of Cannock local policing team, said: “We have worked with our colleagues to identify these areas of concern, carry out these wildfire secondary patrols and then conducted joint home visits with those identified as at risk of being involved. 

“When we identify someone involved in the starting of fires, a warning letter will be issued and also carry out visits focusing on education in relation to the ban.

“Not only do these type of fires have an impact on local wildlife, they are also classed as littering offences and can carry a fine of up to £500.”

Harry added: “We know the hot weather brings people out who want to enjoy themselves in their local community, but I would urge anyone to ensure that if they’re having a BBQ to ideally do it in their private garden, keep a watchful eye on it and avoid having any open fires in these grassland areas.

“All BBQs must take place on hard ground and like any fire, can spread very quickly, so it’s important any fire spread is reported to us as soon as possible.

To find out more about grass fire prevention visit: Grass fire prevention

Call 999 in an emergency.