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Fire crews issue advice after tackling deliberate woodland fires in Lightwood and Newcastle

Fire crews are advising people on how to keep safe after attending two deliberate separate woodland fires recently.

Firefighters were first called to Highland Drive in Lightwood, just before 2.50pm on Saturday (13 August).

Crews from Cheadle, Hanley, Longton and Sandyford as did the animal rescue unit from Cannock.

On arrival, crews located a woodland fire measuring approximately 150 metres by 200 metres.

Five pumps, backpacks, beaters and hose reel jets were used to extinguish the fire.

No one was reported injured.

A reporter from North Staffs TV was close by at the time and attended just after 3.00pm and took some video footage of the fire (see below).

Crews later deemed the fire to have been started deliberately.

Firefighters left the scene just after 12.45pm on Sunday (14 August).

Firefighters were then called to Diglake Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, at 4.30pm on Sunday (14 August).

Crews from Kidsgrove, Loggerheads were in attendance as was animal rescue unit from Cannock and crews from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

On arrival, crews found a woodland fire measuring approximately 60 metres by 60 metres.

Four pumps, backpacks, beaters and hose reel jets were used to extinguish the fire.

No one was reported injured.

Crews left the scene shortly after 10pm.

Inquiries are ongoing in relation to both incidents.

Darren Jackson, Station Manager at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Every year, fire is responsible for the destruction of thousands of acres of countryside.

“However, there are lots of things you can do to help prevent fires when you’re in the countryside.

“Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows and make sure cigarettes are put out properly and disposed of in dedicated bins.

“Don’t leave glass bottles lying on the ground, as sunlight shining through glass could start a fire.

“Don’t have open fires or BBQs in the countryside – they can easily set fire to the ground and spread.

“Keep matches and lighters out of children and young peoples’ reach and talk to them about the dangers of starting fires outside.”

For more advice on safety outside, visit Safety Outside on the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service website.

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