Fires sweep through Cannock Chase
Fire investigators were today continuing inquiries after discovering evidence two huge fires on Cannock Chase were started deliberately.
Specialist fire officers have been combing the scene for clues after yesterday's blazes. Firefighters initially believed discarded cigarette butts may have been behind them but have since said evidence discovered overnight suggests otherwise.
Around 160,000 square metres of the beauty spot was damaged by the flames.
Station manager Dermot Hogan, who led four crews which tackled the fires yesterday afternoon, said it was fortunate no one was hurt and warned arsonists put lives at risk.
The suspected arson attacks come despite repeated warnings and a high profile campaign launched by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue to reduce grass fires.
Glynn Luznyj, head of risk reduction for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said arsonists were not only putting people in the immediate area at risk.
"People who start grass fires seem oblivious to the fact that they are endangering their own lives as well as those of firefighters.
"For every call we receive about a grass fire there could be a person somewhere else desperately trying to get out of a burning building or trapped in a car crash in urgent need of our assistance."
Four fire crews from Cannock, Penkridge and Rugeley stations were sent out to the Chase at midday.
During the Easter holidays from March 29 until April 15, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 18 grass fires in the western area of the county.
There tends to be an increase in grass fires over the school holidays, which is often due to youngsters starting them deliberately. The warmer weather has also made vegetation dry.
Mr Hogan said anyone who saw a grass fire should not tackle it themselves, but call the emergency services.
