Two boys have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following a large fire on Hednesford Hills in Staffordshire. The blaze, which damaged more than three acres of land, was extinguished by eleven fire crews, and no injuries were reported.
Arrests and Police Response
Staffordshire Police confirmed that a 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy, both from Cannock, were detained and remain in custody for questioning. The force was called to the area at 1:15pm on Sunday, August 16, following reports of a fire.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "Two boys have been arrested following a large fire on Hednesford Hills. We were called to the area at 1.15pm yesterday (Sunday, August 16) following reports of a fire. Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. The fire was extinguished by eleven fire crews, and thankfully, nobody was reported injured."
Fire Service Details and Investigation
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service reported that the wildfire measured approximately three-and-a-half acres. Crews used main jets and wildfire hoses to bring the blaze under control. A spokesperson for the service said: "Firefighters have tackled a wildfire that has damaged more than three acres of land on Hednesford Hills. We were called to the scene at 1pm yesterday (Sunday 16 August) following reports of a fire. A total of 11 appliances attended the scene and worked to tackle a wildfire measuring approximately three-and-a-half acres. The fire was extinguished using main jets and wildfire hoses and thankfully nobody was reported injured."
Appeal for Information and Safety Warning
Group Manager Jordan Money urged parents to discuss the dangers of setting fires with their children, noting that the fire was caused deliberately. He said: "A huge area of land has been damaged in this incident which, disappointingly, was caused deliberately. We will now be working alongside Staffordshire Police to support an investigation into those responsible, where two people have already been arrested. I would urge parents to talk to young people about the dangers of setting fires. It is not 'a bit of fun', it is land damaged, lives put at risk and resources stretched. The demand we are facing is extraordinary, and we need all the help we can get in making sure fires are avoided at all costs."
Police are appealing for anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage of the area at the time to contact them on 101, quoting incident 407 of 16 August, or use Live Chat on their website. Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The investigation is ongoing, and the two boys remain in custody.
