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Arsonists start huge straw field fire near Cannock

Arsonists set fire to a straw field in Cannock today, forcing worried residents to use garden hoses to help 30 firefighters tackle the blaze.

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It took hold at around 2.30pm and destroyed a field of straw measuring 100m by 300m at West Chadsmoor.

Three fire crews battled to contain the flames for more than an hour.

Neil Pederson, station manager at Cannock, said: "We understand the fire was started deliberately by two young lads playing around with a lighter."

Two suspects are believed to have been identified by police.

Reader Gemma Carr took this picture of the blaze near Sycamore Green

Firefighters were assisted by residents who were attempting to stop the fire from spreading to their homes in nearby Sycamore Green.

Neil Burton, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, said: "It is shocking that some people are prepared to put the lives of firefighters and of members of the public at risk in such a careless and nonchalant manner.

"This fire was lit deliberately and would have had far more devastating consequences if it was not for the quick action of the crews. The field, which was very dry due to the warm weather we have had recently, was extremely flammable and it didn't take long for the fire to spread."

Firefighters from Aldridge tweeted this image of the field being dampened down:

What made the situation even more dangerous was the fact that it was located next to a residential estate. Luckily, the firefighters used a specialist off-road vehicle and were able to bring the blaze under control fairly quickly considering the circumstances.

"I cannot stress strongly enough how serious this type of incident can be. It puts innocent lives at risk, is a threat to animals and can also have a long-lasting negative impact on the future of those responsible, affecting career prospects and even seeing people handed a hefty fine or jail sentence."

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