Firefighter's wildfire warning during hot weather

A firefighter with experience of tackling accidental wildfires has urged people to be careful during the current heatwave.

Ben Wyatt, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the Longnor area, which he covers, often sees an increase in outdoor fires as the weather warms up.

He said: "The biggest fire risks in this area are disposable barbecues, campfires and discarded cigarettes."

Wyatt said the consequences can be serious, adding: "By setting deliberate fires, you're not only putting your life at risk but could also face criminal prosecution."

He has been an on-call firefighter at Longnor Community Fire Station, in Buxton Road, for about three years and said in one incident a discarded cigarette caused a fire which spread and damaged foliage.

He recalled another incident when a fire was started by sunlight magnified by a discarded bottle of water.

He asked people to dispose of cigarettes properly and take all rubbish home or put it in the bin.

He also said people should avoid using barbecues or open fires in the countryside.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.