Firefighters called to dozens of outdoor fires over Bank Holiday weekend

Firefighters were called out to more than 50 outside fires over the Bank Holiday weekend in one part of the region, as they call for people to dispose of rubbish properly, and have barbecues safely.

Between 5pm on Friday 22nd May and midnight on Tuesday 26th May, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service received 58 calls to what they call secondary fires - they are generally small fires which take place outside, typically in grass or heathland.

In one instance, more than 70 firefighters were sent to Cannock Chase where a fire spanned 15 hectares - about the size of 21 football fields.

The blaze on Friday evening damaged a large area of Sherbrook Valley, with the wind providing difficulty for the service in bringing the fire under control.

Overall, more than 360 firefighters were called out to similar fires over the weekend, locations including back gardens, scrubland and woodland.

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