'Significant spike' in deliberate fires

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said 72% of fires in April were believed to have been started deliberately

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has urged parents to talk to their children about the dangers of starting fires, after a "significant spike" in deliberate fires.

Of the 335 outdoor fires in April, 72% were believed to have been started deliberately, SFRS said.

It added that the number of fires in April was a 189% increase on the same period in 2024.

Dave Steel, northern service delivery group lead said the hot weather meant fires would spread rapidly: "What kids may think is just a small fire, could soon develop into a large blaze that could cause devastation to land, people and property."

Recent incidents include a fire on Old Hall Drive, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, at 19:00 BST on 14 May.

The fire, in a hedge, had spread to garden furniture. No one was injured.

Another incident, on 15 May, saw crews called to an area of woodland off Hargreave Close, Meir Park, Stoke-on-Trent, at 19:45.

The fire, measuring about two-metres-by-two-meters, was extinguished and again no-one was reported injured.

SFRS said both incidents were started deliberately and Staffordshire Police was investigating.

"This recent incident in Newcastle-under-Lyme had spread from a field to a garden and had the family not been at home at the time to alert it, it could have spread to their property," Mr Steel added.

"It is important to remember that whilst firefighters are dealing with these deliberate fires, it means that should there be another incident locally, such as a car crash or a house fire, the nearest fire crew won't be available."

This year, the Easter holidays coincided with the sunniest and one of the driest Aprils on record.

Ch Insp for Newcastle-under-Lyme local policing team, Darren McGrath, added: "It's really important for parents to have a conversation with their children so they understand both the dangers and the seriousness of these offences."