Firefighters in Stoke-on-Trent have attended 76 deliberate blazes in a little over two weeks, the county fire service has confirmed, as crews urge families to speak with youngsters about the dangers of starting fires.
Concentrated incidents and stretched resources
Across Staffordshire this July the service has been called to 137 deliberate outdoor fires, with the Potteries accounting for the bulk of those incidents. On Wednesday night three fire engines were sent to Park Hall Country Park after a fire spread across a sandy area; charred remains were visible at the site the following day. Crews also tackled blazes at a recreation ground in Sneyd Green and at Grange Park in Cobridge, with the causes of those incidents not yet disclosed.
Fire service managers say the spate of deliberate fires comes during a prolonged period of hot, dry weather, which raises the risk that a small ignition can quickly grow into a larger, harder-to-control fire.
"We are experiencing extremely high demand across Staffordshire at the moment, partly due to the warm, dry spell we have had. I am urging parents to speak to their children about the dangers of setting deliberate fires. What can start out as a bit of fun can have devastating consequences, not only because lives are put at risk, but landscapes can be destroyed and our resources strained, meaning we can’t be at other ongoing incidents. Especially with the warm, dry weather, fires can spread quickly and become out of control. Help us keep Staffordshire safe this summer."
Practical advice for households
Officers and firefighters are asking parents and carers to talk with children about the risks and consequences of starting fires. They point to the pressure deliberate blazes place on emergency services and the potential for harm to people and local green spaces.
- Supervise youngsters around matches, lighters and barbecues.
- Explain how quickly fires can spread in dry conditions.
- Report any suspicious activity to the fire service or police promptly.
- Teach simple fire-safety steps: stop, drop and roll; safe escape routes from the home.
Numbers at a glance
| Period | Deliberate outdoor fires |
|---|---|
| July (county-wide) | 137 |
| Stoke-on-Trent (just over two weeks) | 76 |
Fire service officials say they have been averaging roughly four deliberate fires a day in the city this month. The cumulative effect of multiple small incidents can reduce the availability of crews for other emergencies and increase the risk to residents and landscapes if a fire takes hold.
Local people who witnessed incidents are being asked to share information with investigators. Anyone with knowledge of deliberate fire-setting or suspicious behaviour in public open spaces can contact the fire service or police to assist ongoing enquiries.
As schools break up for the summer, the county service reiterated its appeal: conversations at home, early reporting of suspicious incidents and community vigilance will help reduce the number of avoidable fires and protect both people and the county's green places.
