Crews tackle multiple fires in one location

Firefighters tackled multiple fires in one location in Stoke-on-Trent yesterday (Sunday 19 July).

We were called at 12.50pm to Park Hall Country Park, Hulme Road, Longton, following reports of smoke coming from the area.

Five appliances, a water carrier and three rangers attended the scene and found a large area of grassland well alight.

The fire was extinguished using backpacks, beaters and wildfire hoses.

Whilst crews were still at this incident, another two fires were reported nearby.

Crews made their way to the incidents on foot and found a large area of vegetation well alight.

Wildfire jets and main jets were used to extinguish this fire.

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.

“Crews have been at the scene for almost 24 hours, working to dampen down and monitor hotspots.

“Deliberate fires not only strain our resources but also cause extensive damage to local landscapes and wildlife.

“I would urge parents to speak to their children about the dangers of setting fires because as we have seen in this incident, fire can quickly become out of control and those responsible could end up with a criminal record.

“Finally, I would remind people to use the What 3 Words app when reporting locations to us, as it was particularly helpful in this incident and helped us know where to send resources.”