Fire chiefs' warning people to stay home after 19 deliberate fires in Cannock Chase
Firefighters in Staffordshire are pleading with people to stay at home and away from country parks and grassland after a spate of deliberate fires in open spaces across the county.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has received 156 calls to deliberate fires since the Covid-19 lockdown came into effect a month ago – this is on top of the large number of accidental fires that have happened as a result of the warm weather.
Director of community safety, Howard Watts has echoed calls from Staffordshire Police to stay away from the county’s parks and beauty spots – including the Roaches and Cannock Chase – as a result of this increase in incidents.
His warning comes as the Cannock Chase district has been the target of 19 deliberate fires during the lockdown.
This was on top of a huge blaze in the Brocton area on Tuesday night, which needed 85 firefighters to get it under control. It was believed to be started accidentally.
Mr Watts said: "These deliberate incidents are causing firefighters to be taken away from what could potentially be real life-threatening emergencies.
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"Although the number of fires in this period is comparable with previous years this is much more serious during a lockdown.
"The message is for people to stay at home or exercise locally, staying two metres apart.
"While most people are staying away, no one except those living in the immediate area should be travelling to these areas as it is vital we all follow the government’s guidelines and stay safe."
He added: “Fires that are caused deliberately or carelessly in the open can have devastating effects on the environment, but importantly endanger people’s lives and homes.
Anyone who has information on suspected deliberate fires is to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If you see a fire, or anyone starting a fire, call 999 immediately.
