Huge fire at beauty spot contained, say fire crews

A large wildfire on heath-land in Staffordshire, the second to have broken out at the site in a week, has been contained, the fire service said.

Fifteen crews responded to the blaze following reports of smoke at Sherbrook Valley in Cannock Chase at about 14:30 BST on Wednesday.

Firefighters worked throughout the night and remained at the scene on Thursday as efforts to extinguish the blaze continued, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

"We still expect to have a large presence in the area today as work continues to bring the incident to a safe conclusion," a spokesperson added.

"Please don't be alarmed if you see further fire engines making to the area today. This is part of our routine response to this incident and does not mean it is escalating in any way."

People living nearby have been asked to close their windows and doors, and avoid the area as a precaution due to the heavy smoke.

"We'd like to thank everyone for their positive messages and thanks to the firefighters who have been working hard to keep the local community safe," the spokesperson added.

Staffordshire County Council said the fire was "significantly larger" than the one that damaged a large part of protected heath-land last Thursday, killing animals like adders and toads.

That blaze, which happened on 30 July, was believed to have been caused by a disposable barbecue, which are banned at Cannock Chase.

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