Firefighters frustrated after rushing to hoax call
Firefighters have hit out at a hoax caller who tricked crews into thinking a home had gone up in flames.
Crews from Wolverhampton and Tettenhall fire stations rushed to Bhylls Lane after reports of the blaze.
But they soon discovered the call was a hoax and firefighters in the two engines had wasted their time.
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesperson said: "This is not just a waste of time and resources, stopping us from attending other emergencies, but it's also against the law.
"You could face a maximum penalty of up to six months in prison or a fine of £5,000."
The fire service was called to the Wolverhampton street just after 1.55pm on Wednesday.
But firefighters soon discovered the call was a hoax and took to Twitter to warn that fake reports "cost lives".
Former firefighter Councillor Greg Brackenridge, who heads up Wolverhampton Counci's fire safety scrutiny group, urged people to "think" before making hoax calls.
He added: "Nothing is more frustrating than false alarm malicious calls to emergency services personnel.
"Do not be tempted as you will be tying up vital resources that could be required elsewhere and the fire authority will pursue those responsible in the courts."
