Young campaigner praised for fire safety message

A young campaigner concerned about deliberate fires in parks and green spaces has been praised by West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) for his efforts to raise awareness.

After hearing about fires being started in parks, Carter Tracey from Solihull, became worried about the impact on wildlife and wanted to do something to help.

The nine-year-old, who wants to be a vet, made his own poster and has been taking it to different parks reminding people of the dangers of having barbecues and lighting fires.

It comes as three firefighters and a member of the public needed medical treatment on Sunday for heat exposure during a significant outdoor fire believed to have been started deliberately.

"Fires can kill animals, destroy nature and affect our environment. It also means I cannot play in the park," Carter said.

The fire on Sunday broke out in Canterbury Road, West Bromwich, covered an area equivalent to around 35 football pitches and came metres from people's homes.

The fire service said the pressure on crews continued on Monday, with eight drafted in to tackle several fires in and around Victoria Park in Tipton.

They were also believed to have been started deliberately.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill, said anyone who deliberately starts a fire could face a criminal record.

Figures from WMFS show 4,649 calls, compared with 1,814 in the same seven-day period last year.

Crews responded to 1,058 incidents, including 389 outdoor fires.

"It has to stop now, before one of my firefighters or an innocent member of the public is seriously injured, or worse," Tuhill added.

These types of incidents led Carter to make the poster.

Now, alongside dad Adam, they take the hand-made poster to locations, including Birmingham Business Park, Bluebell Park and Meriden Park.

Next week, Carter is taking his message to Sheldon Country Park, Marston Green Recreation Ground and Brueton Park.

When he gets to these places, he has people coming up to him, dad Adam said.

"I would like my poster to remind people to look after our parks, animals and each other," Carter added.

The family have been pleased with the response the poster has got online, with people requesting copies to put up around their local green spaces.

In a social media post, WMFS praised his work and said thank you.

"We think your poster is brilliant and your message is spot on," they said.

"Thank you for looking out for our wildlife, our green spaces and your community.

"If more people had your attitude, we'd have a lot fewer fires to deal with this summer".

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