Warning following deliberate fire

Firefighters are warning of the dangers of setting deliberate fires following a large blaze in south Staffordshire.

We were called to Pendeford Hall Lane, Coven, at 8.30pm yesterday (Monday 4 July) following reports of smoke coming from the area.

Four appliances and a water carrier attended the scene and found 50 tonnes of straw well alight.

Hose reel jets were used to extinguish the fire which spread to an area around 100 by 20 metres.

Thankfully, nobody was reported injured.

Watch Manager, Rob Featherstone, who managed the incident, said: “This fire was later deemed to have been caused deliberately.

“We are reminding people that during the recent warm weather, what might start as a bit of fun can have catastrophic consequences.

“The sun can make grass and straw very dry, meaning that fires can spread and get out of control very quickly”.

For more fire prevention tips, visit Grass fire prevention.