Warning after country park scorched by wildfire

A warning has been issued over people causing wildfires after a blaze broke out at a country park.

Six crews were called out to deal with the fire at Park Hall Country Park in Stoke-on-Trent on Wednesday, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

At its height, the fire covered an area of approximately 40m by 50m and it was deemed to have been caused accidentally.

A fire service spokesperson said crews were responding to twice the amount of outdoor fires than they were this time last week.

Station manager Ben Woodward urged people to take extra precautions when enjoying the hot weather.

"If you know how to limit the chances of accidental fires happening, you're going to help us keep people safe during times of significant demand," he said.

Mr Woodward advised people to dispose of cigarettes properly, put glass bottles in bins and to not use disposable barbecues in the countryside.

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