Warning issued after crews tackle two deliberate fires

Firefighters have issued a warning against lighting deliberate fires after two fires were extinguished at the same location in Stoke-on-Trent.

Crews were called to Parkhall Country Park, Hulme Road, at 4.40pm on Friday (22 August) following reports of smoke coming from the area.

Four appliances attended the scene and found a large grass fire.

The fire was extinguished using backpacks, beaters and an extended hose reel jet.

Nobody was reported injured.

Station Manager Ant Ball, who attended the scene, said: “We later deemed this fire to have been caused deliberately. It started on a hillside where sunlight and wind caused it spread rapidly.

“Whilst we were dealing with this incident, we also located and extinguished a second deliberate fire in the same location.

“Deliberate fires put a significant strain on our resources and cause long-lasting damage to the environment.

“I would urge people to not light deliberate fires as the recent warm weather means that the ground is dry, meaning that fires can spread quickly and become out of control.

“I’d also encourage parents and guardians to speak to young people about the dangers of starting deliberate fires and the significant impact it can have on local life, the environment and communities.”

For more fire prevention advice, visit Grass fire prevention.