Warning to parents amid surge of deliberate fires

We are issuing an urgent warning to parents amid a surge of deliberate fires across Staffordshire. 

Demand has been unprecedented across the county, where we are seeing an increase in grass fires that are being started deliberately.

In the past two months, we have tackled over 1,200 outdoor fires, around half of which were caused deliberately. 

On Tuesday (11 August), three appliances attended the scene of a large fire involving around 100 hay bales in Bobbington, south Staffordshire. 

The cause of this fire has since been deemed to be deliberate. 

Last night, crews worked to tackle multiple fires in Stoke-on-Trent, believed to have spread from an area of grassland near to the A50. 

The road was closed for several hours and residents were evacuated from houses in the area. 

Given the incredibly warm conditions and dry land, these fires have the potential to cause significant damage in local communities, and we need your help to stop them.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Jim Bywater, said: “We are currently experiencing one of our most demanding summer seasons, due to the dry weather which leads to significant fire risk. 

“I would like to stress that deliberately setting fires is not ‘just a bit of fun’ or a social media trend. 

“It is smoke travelling across major carriageways, leading to roads being closed and motorists stranded. 

“It is residents evacuated from their homes for hours. 

“It is gardens, sheds and garages damaged, and sentimental items lost. 

“It is wildlife hurt, habitats destroyed and acres of countryside damaged. 

“Parents, please speak to your children about this dangerous trend and help us keep Staffordshire safe this summer.”

Detective Inspector Emma Kempson, of CID north, said: “Arson is a serious criminal offence and we have a number of investigations currently ongoing in relation to recent fires. 

“Three boys have been arrested as part of ongoing enquiries into a series of fires in the Cannock, Rugeley and Hednesford areas recently. 

“Starting fires deliberately can land you with a criminal record, which will stay with them for life and impact their future prospects.

“I would reiterate that parents need to be aware of and speak to their children about the potential consequences of taking part.”