With hot and dry weather set to continue into the May bank holiday weekend, residents are being reminded not to light open fires at Staffordshire’s country parks.
Staffordshire County Council is urging people to play their part in preventing wildfires in the countryside by not bringing barbecues to country parks or littering.
A small outdoor fire can quickly get out of hand, especially in dry weather. Every year, they cause serious and lasting damage to wildlife, habitats and communities, especially in high-risk areas like Cannock Chase National Landscape.
Over the Easter weekend alone, the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called out to around 30 outdoor fires, many of which are believed to have been preventable.
To help prevent wildfires, visitors are being urged to:
- Never light open fires or use disposable barbecues in the countryside.
- Make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished and disposed of in bins.
- Take all litter home or use the bins provided.
- Avoid leaving glass bottles behind because they can start fires when in direct sunlight.
- Keep matches and lighters out of children and young people’s reach.
Sarah Bentley, Head of Environment and Countryside at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Our country parks are beautiful places to spend time, especially in warm weather, but they can also be extremely vulnerable to fire. It only takes one small spark to cause significant damage to habitats and wildlife.
“We’re asking everyone to act responsibly this bank holiday by leaving barbecues at home and disposing of litter carefully. By taking a few simple precautions, we can all help protect these special places for everyone to enjoy.”
If you see a fire in the countryside, call 999 immediately.
