Firefighters plea to people in Staffordshire following weekend battle against grass fires

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue are calling on people in Staffordshire to make sure they do everything possible to avoid starting grass fires following a series of incidents over the weekend.

Warmer weather often means more people are spending time outdoors, enjoying barbecues with family and friends or going for walks across popular beauty spots in the county. Sadly, it also means that fires spread quicker in dryer conditions, and firefighters need your help to limit the risks.

A significant number of resources were sent to tackle a fire that affected around three acres of land on Gentleshaw Common on Friday (4 April). Six fire engines and a specialist off-road appliance worked to extinguish the fire alongside crews from West Midlands Fire Service.

Staffordshire Police are now investigating after it was determined that the fire had been started deliberately.

Firefighters also responded to further incidents across Stoke-on-Trent on the weekend. Three fires were extinguished in a field in Fenton on Sunday (6 April), along with a fire caused by an unattended campfire in Smallthorne. 

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Glynn Luznyj said: “Our crews worked diligently over the weekend to make sure we protected local communities from the risk of grass fires.

“Disappointingly, a number of these were started deliberately and are being investigated by police. I want to reiterate that grass fires can rapidly spread out of control and can cause catastrophic damage to people, families, wildlife and the environment. What might seem like a harmless bit of fun to set a small fire can quickly escalate and put lives in serious danger.

“Equally, the risk of starting grass fires accidentally during the warmer weather spell is also a serious concern for us. It can be as easy and throwing a cigarette on the floor that hasn’t been properly put out or leaving glass bottles on the floor that heats up in the sun and sets alight. These fires all spread rapidly and we need to make sure we stop them from happening in the first place.”

Here are some tips to limit the risks of grass fires:

• If you’re using a barbecue outdoors, make sure it’s not close to any shrubbery or flammable objects and make sure it’s used on a flat surface that isn’t going to catch fire
• Don’t put them in the bin until it’s cooled down for several hours
• Don’t drink alcohol if you’re in charge of the cooking
• Make sure rubbish and plastic bottles are put in the bin and not left lying around. Sun shining through glass can ignite the floor
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children and young people
• Speak to youngsters about the dangers of grass fires, regardless if they are caused accidentally or deliberately

For important advice on how to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors, visit the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue website here