Fire service issues safety warning after crews battle blaze in Black Country park

Guidance around safety in parks and woodlands has been issued by the fire service after a blaze broke out in a Black Country park.

West Midlands Fire Service has issued the safety information after the fire at Netherton Park, which saw crews from five stations called out on Monday evening just after 5pm.

Five fire engines and a 4X4 brigade response vehicle worked to extinguish the fire, which the fire service said it wasn’t able to identify the cause, and left the scene by 8.20pm.

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: “Shortly before 5.10pm on Monday 20 July, we responded to Lynbrook Close in Netherton in Dudley.

“Five fire engines and a 4x4 brigade response vehicle from Haden Cross, Dudley, Brierley Hill, Tipton and West Bromwich attended, arriving to find a grassland fire.

“Four hose reels and beaters were used to extinguish the fire. Police colleagues attended to manage an outer cordon, and there were no casualties or injuries.

“Firefighters damped down and extinguished hotspots to prevent the fire from re-starting.

“All resources had left this incident by 8.20pm.”

It also said that the public could take steps to avoid potentially causing outdoor fires, such as not using barbecues, taking your glass home and not extinguishing cigarettes in outdoor spaces.

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: “Small fires can easily start in parks or woodland areas.

“Here are some steps you can take to make sure we all keep our outdoor spaces safe, clean and reduce any risk of fire.

“In regards to litter and accidental fires, nobody likes litter in our open spaces, but what you may not realise is that certain types of littering can increase the risk of fire.

“Here are some quick tips, such as items that can reflect sunlight, such as bottles (particularly glass) should be taken with you.

“Please ensure cigarettes are completely extinguished in proper cigarette bins or if safe disposal isn’t possible, take your cigarette ends with you and dispose of them safely and remember littering is against the law and could land you a fine. Littering does include dropping cigarette butts and chewing gum.”