Staffordshire County Council renewed calls for residents to do their bit to prevent wildfires and stay safe in the sun.
With temperatures remaining in the mid 30s for the next couple of days, and a Met Office Amber alerts for ‘extreme heat’ in force until Saturday, the county council wants to remind people not to bring barbecues to country parks or litter because of the huge wildfire risk.
Although temperatures are due to drop by the weekend incredibly dry conditions mean a heightened risk of fire at the county’s country parks.
Even a small outdoor fire can quickly get out of hand in dry weather, causing serious and lasting damage to wildlife, habitats and communities.
According to figures from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, there was been a 70% increase in outdoor fires.
Last month, the county council condemned “thoughtless” behaviour after a newly installed viewing platform at Brindley Heath was damaged by several barbecues and littered with glass bottles.
Hayley Coles, Staffordshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said:
“The weather has been very hot and dry recently, and these conditions mean the wildfire risk is currently very high.
“We’re asking people to enjoy our country parks responsibly and be alert to the wildfire risk. It only takes one thoughtlessly discarded cigarette, barbecue or glass bottle to start a fire that can quickly get out of hand and devastate local wildlife and habitats.
“If a fire were to happen in one of our country parks, the landscape might never fully recover, and the cost of any remedial work would fall to local taxpayers.
“It’s great that we have such wonderful country parks in order to be able to enjoy the sun, but we just need to be mindful of our actions and ensure we’re doing everything we can to prevent fires and preserve these spaces for future generations.”
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.