Two boys, aged 12 and 13, have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following a large wildfire that damaged more than three acres of land in Hednesford over the weekend.
The fire broke out on Hednesford Hills at around 1pm on Sunday, August 16, and required 11 fire appliances from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to bring it under control. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Staffordshire Police were called to the area at 1.15pm following reports of the blaze, and officers attended alongside fire crews. The fire was extinguished by eleven fire crews, and nobody was reported injured.
Arrests and Investigation
A 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy, both from Cannock, have since been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They remain in custody today, Monday, August 17.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service's group manager, Jordan Money, confirmed that the fire service will be working alongside Staffordshire Police to support an investigation into those responsible. 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.”
Message to Parents
Mr Money issued a direct plea to parents and guardians following the incident, urging them to talk to young people about the dangers of setting fires. He said: “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.”
The warning comes after a spate of fires across the West Midlands have left people with burnt-out homes.
Police Appeal for Information
Staffordshire Police have asked anyone with information regarding the fire to get in touch. In a statement, they 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. A 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy, both from Cannock, have since been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They remain in custody today (Monday, August 17).
“Anyone who has CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage of the area at the time can contact us on 101, quoting incident 407 of 16 August, or use Live Chat on our website. To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
