PEOPLE are being urged to play their part to prevent wildfires at Chasewater and other country parks.
With temperatures expected to remain high over the coming days, Staffordshire County Council is reminding residents of the risks wildfires pose.
Dry conditions mean that even though the weather will eventually cool, the potential for a blaze to start will remain high.
Cllr Hayley Coles, Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for communities and culture, said:
"The weather has been very hot and dry recently – and these conditions mean the wildfire risk is currently very high.
"We’re asking people to enjoy our country parks responsibly and be alert to the wildfire risk. It only takes one thoughtlessly discarded cigarette, barbecue or glass bottle to start a fire that can quickly get out of hand and devastate local wildlife and habitats.
"If a fire were to happen in one of our country parks, the landscape might never fully recover – and the cost of any remedial work would fall to local taxpayers.
"It’s great that we have such wonderful country parks in order to be able to enjoy the sun, but we just need to be mindful of our actions and ensure we’re doing everything we can to prevent fires and preserve these spaces for future generations."
