Three arson attacks in three nights in one Stafford suburb
Firefighters were called to three arson attacks in three nights in the same Stafford suburb
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Staffordshire Police have today been out in the Highfields area reassuring residents after numerous arson reports in the past week - including three nights in a row.
The worst incident involved a house on Silkmore Lane on Thursday night, where a nearby hedge was set alight and the fire spread causing damage to the gas supply.
Crews from Stafford and Rising Brook were called at around 10.17pm and used two hose-reel jets and a main jet to tackle the blaze.
Firefighters remained at the scene until after 1am as the gas supply to the home was damaged and required emergency work to make it safe.
A neighbour also had to be evacuated while this work took place due to the unsafe levels of carbon monoxide which had spread to their home.
Family home ruined
Other incidents include an arson attack in Surrey Road on Friday which started in a fence but spread and ruined a family's home, including a sensory room for their autistic child.
Another involved hedging, fencing and conifers in Meadow Road/Virginia Avenue at 10.50pm on Saturday.
Mark Downes, prevent team leader, said: “Our Flames Aren’t Games campaign runs during the school holidays, which is when we typically see an increase in deliberate fires.
“However, we’ve already seen a concerning spike in arson incidents in the week leading up to the Easter holidays and this is extremely worrying.
“Thankfully, no one has been harmed during these incidents but people’s safety is being put at risk, along with their homes and belongings.
“Our prevent teams, Safe and Well technicians, crews and volunteers who are trained in fire safety, along with colleagues from Staffordshire Police, have been out in the area to offer advice to residents.
"We really need people to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Likewise, if you have any information about the fires that have been started in the past week, please contact police.”
Chief Inspector Gemma Ward, commander for Stafford borough, said: “There is a grave risk that comes with deliberately setting fires and endangering life and people’s homes and belongings.
“This is an extremely serious offence that carries hefty punishments for offenders.
“We’re putting additional patrols in the area and will listen to any information the community has.
"Anyone with information about these fires is asked to call 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
