The Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Stoke-on-Trent council have issued a warning to remind people of the dangers of fire, particularly in Stoke-on-Trent's parks.

It comes after a recent incident involving a "dead" hedgerow being set alight in Hanley Park, which was constructed by the park's team and volunteers to encourage biodiversity. 

These habitats are designed to support local wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals, by providing a shelter for them.

Cllr Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability, condemned the recent incidents, calling them "reckless" and "dangerous" which "undoes hours of hard work aimed at protecting and improving our local environment."

Cllr Wazir added: "Parks are meant to be a place to get lost in nature, to relax, or to exercise and to spend time with friends and family.

"The most recent dry spell has also made the land more prone to fires. Please talk to your children, even friends and family members about the importance of looking after nature.

"Our park's team work tirelessly in all weathers, year in and year out to ensure not only visitors have the best visit, but that nature is thriving. Let's not undo that hard work.

"Bin your rubbish, make sure cigarettes are extinguished and binned and remember, absolutely no fires or BBQs in the parks."

Hanley Park, which boasts award-winning floral displays, has also seen damage from flowers being picked and discarded. (Nub News)

Recent dry weather has made parks more vulnerable to fire, prompting a joint message from the council and emergency services: No fires, no barbecues, and be extra mindful of disposing rubbish and cigarettes.

Station manager Ant Ball, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Fires not only cause significant damage to our natural environment, but also place a considerable strain on emergency resources that may be needed elsewhere.

"We are asking members of the public to refrain from lighting bonfires or barbecues in public spaces such as parks and open countryside. These activities can quickly become dangerous and get out of control, particularly in dry or windy conditions."

Both the council and the fire service are urging visitors to:

• Avoid lighting fires or BBQs
• Bin all rubbish properly
• Fully extinguish cigarettes before disposal
• Respect flower beds and wildlife habitats

Hanley Park, which boasts award-winning floral displays, has also seen damage from flowers being picked and discarded.

Inspector Rebecca Price, from Stoke-on-Trent South local policing team, said: "Vandalism at parks in the city will not be tolerated and we are working hard to catch those responsible.

"Our PCSOs are regularly patrolling the area to keep visitors safe. We would also like to remind people that we hold a weekly police surgery at Hanley Park every Saturday and would urge local residents to talk to us about their concerns."

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