Arson attacks leap by four times in Staffordshire compared to last year

New data has revealed the number of deliberate grass and rubbish fires in the county have increased by more than 400 per cent during the first three weeks of the school holidays compared to the same period last year.

Firefighters had to deal with 414 blazes in the three weeks between July 20 and August 12 – 323 of which were deliberate.

This was compared to 79 in the same period of 2017, of which 64 were started on purpose.

Chief fire officer at the service, Becci Bryant, is urging people to think and take care when outdoors for the remainder of the summer. She said the number of fires started on purpose was of ‘huge concern’.

She said: “An individual thinks they’re having a bit of fun, but they’re actually putting themselves, the public and our firefighters – my firefighters – at risk.

“They are also seriously risking their own future. If they are caught and found guilty they could go to prison. And we treat arson very seriously.”

Firefighters have been stretched to the limit, with many regularly working over their hours, she added.

“It really has been a challenge. We’ve had both wholetime and retained firefighters going above and beyond, working long hours. It’s very physical and arduous work.

“The firefighters have been amazing. I cannot underestimate the commitment they have put in over the last month, it’s been phenomenal.”

With more of the county’s countryside at risk during the continued period of hot weather, the service is asking residents to keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour and to call the police if they spot anyone that could be starting fires.

Director of Prevent and Protect, Glynn Luznyj, said: “It is really sad to see so much of our countryside devastated by these fires, many of which are deliberate.

“These fires not only ruin beauty spots where families want to spend their time with their children but also put the wildlife at risk.

“We have been tackling a large scale fire in the Roaches in the last few days and although we do not know the cause yet we are not ruling out arson.

“This fire alone has involved approximately 200 acres of land – that is the equivalent of 100 football pitches.

“We don’t want to lose any more of the countryside or endanger any more wildlife. Please help up to educate young children of the dangers and consequences of setting fires and keep an eye out for potential fire-starters. If you see any risk or sign of fire, call the fire service.”

Ms Bryant also revealed that in the last three weeks 16 fires had been deliberately started in Cannock, compared to six last year.

Stafford had seen 22 during the same period, compared to two in 2017. And South Staffordshire saw 23 deliberate blazes, whereas only three were started last year.