Sandyford fire caused by disposable barbeque following investigation

We have determined that the fire in Stapenhill, Stoke-on-Trent, was caused by a disposable barbeque following an investigation.

A number of crews were first called to a grass area at the back of Wignall Road at about 4.15pm on Thursday (13 August) when the fire was reported.

The fire quickly spread from the fields to gardens and homes along Sandy Road and Maureen Avenue.

Our crews worked with colleagues from Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service to make sure those affected were safely evacuated and provided with temporary accommodation.

Four of our 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 (Tuesday 18 August).

Since the fire was extinguished, we have been working hard to carry out a fire investigation. Today, we are able to confirm that we have identified the cause of the fire to be accidental, as a result of a disposable barbeque which ignited in Sandyford Park and 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.”

For important advice on how you can minimise the risk of outdoor fires in your area, visit our website here