Arsonists put lives at risk
Arsonists have struck again on a Staffordshire beauty spot, setting a string of fires over the holiday weekend. They are the latest in a series of blazes.
Firefighters say they are being started deliberately, putting lives at risk and causing extensive destruction.
On Saturday night firebugs struck near to the German War Cemetery starting a fire off Camp Road at around 6.15pm.
This destroyed 100 square metres of Gorse heather and four fire crews from Rugeley and Cannock had to deal with the flames.
As firefighters battled that fire a second was started at 6.40pm destroying 20 square metres of grassland.
Just minutes later a third fire was started near to the Katyn Memorial close to the cemetery on Camp Road.
Yesterday firefighters were called out again to a 500 square metre area of heather on fire near to the quarry in Hednesford at Littleworth Road at around 4pm.
Later at 5pm another fire was started near to the Vallley Road area where firefighters used beaters and hoses to damp the blaze.
At around 5.30pm firefighters fought another deliberate grass fire in Huntington.
Last weekend the arsonists thought to be behind the fires struck eight times in 48 hours, setting a series of grass fires near to Rugeley.
Firefighters have hit out at those responsible saying they are not only destroying an area of outstanding natural beauty but are also putting their own and other members of the public's lives at risk.
Youngsters have been spotted near to where the fires were started and the public have been urged to report any suspicious activity on the Chase.
Area Commander for Cannock, Ian Sloss said:"Attending fires that have been deliberately caused means we are unable to attend other incidents that may be of a more serious nature, further putting other people's lives at risk."
Anyone with information should contact Rugeley police on 08453 30 20 10 or annonymously on Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
