Around 15 fire crews are battling a significant blaze on Cannock Chase, prompting urgent advice for local residents to keep windows and doors shut. The fire broke out in an area off Chase Road, close to Coppice Hill and Brocton, with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue alerted at approximately 2:30pm on August 5 after smoke was spotted.
Firefighting resources deployed
The fire service confirmed a substantial response is underway, with crews using a range of equipment including water carriers, hose reel jets, main jets, and a high-volume pump. In a statement, the service said: "A significant number of firefighters are actively responding to the fire, using water carriers, hose reel jets, main jets, a high-volume pump and more."
Staffordshire Police are also in attendance, assisting with making the area safe and establishing a cordon. The fire service added: "Our colleagues from Staffordshire Police are also in attendance and are assisting with making the area safe and setting up a cordon."
Public urged to avoid area
Authorities are asking people to steer clear of the vicinity while the operation continues. "We're asking people to avoid the area at this time and keep windows and doors closed," the fire service said. They also pledged to provide updates on the incident and its potential impact on local residents and businesses as soon as possible.
The blaze is the latest in a series of incidents highlighting the challenges faced by emergency services during hot, dry conditions. In a separate development, the public is being warned about the dangers of flying unauthorised drones over emergency incidents.
Drone warning after misdirection
West Midlands Fire Service reported that recreational drone users have hampered operations, with one recent incident seeing firefighters directed to the wrong location. A drone pilot from the service had directed ground crews to use the service's drone as a marker to locate a hotspot, but the crews mistakenly gathered beneath a drone flown by a recreational user.
Fire service officials stressed that drones can provide incident commanders with a valuable aerial view of a scene, helping them make informed decisions, monitor how an incident is developing, identify potential dangers, and locate fire hotspots. However, unauthorised drones pose serious risks, including collision hazards and distraction, and can delay critical firefighting efforts.
Residents and businesses in the Cannock Chase area are advised to stay informed through official channels and follow all safety instructions from emergency services. The fire service continues to monitor the situation and will release further information as it becomes available.
