Warning issued following deliberate grass fire

We have tackled a deliberate grass fire in Rugeley and we’re urging people to stop starting fires.

Fire crews are currently responding to double the usual demand for outdoor fires, and with the warm weather expected to continue over the weekend, we need people to help reduce the risk of further fires in Staffordshire.

We were called to land off Brick Kiln Lane in Brereton, Rugeley, at 9am yesterday (Thursday 19 June) following reports of a fire, measuring around 10 square metres.

Thankfully, nobody was hurt but the blaze did damage trees, grass and wildlife before it could be extinguished.

The fire was later deemed to have been started deliberately.

Prevent Delivery Lead, Mark Downes who attended the scene, said: “The recent dry weather increases the risk of fires spreading quickly and getting out of control, so what may start as a bit of fun can have devastating impacts.

“Starting deliberate fires can be the reason why crews aren’t free to respond to other incidents. This can have a catastrophic impact on people living in local communities.

“This incident has been picked up by our colleagues at Staffordshire Police who are carrying out enquiries to find out who is responsible.”

This comes as the National Police Chiefs Council (NFCC) today revealed that fire services in England and Wales have tackled 564 wildfires so far this year. This is a 717 per cent increase on wildfires for the same period in 2024.