Poor parking delays firefighters on way to Chasewater blaze

Firefighters have hit out at delays caused by "inconsiderate parking" after they were called to a grass fire at a popular park.

Around 20 firefighters from Staffordshire Fire were held up for 20 minutes on their way to the blaze at Chasewater Country Park.

Three crews from Cannock Fire Station tackled the blaze at around 6.45pm yesterday (May 27) which involved a piece of 50m by 100m grassland.

Firefighters used two hose reel jets and one main jet to extinguish the blaze which fire chiefs believe was started deliberately.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "Approximately 20 firefighters – three crews from Cannock and a specialist vehicle – were sent to the fire which involved 50x100m of grassland.

"Firefighters were unable to gain access for some time due to parked cars and would urge motorists to think twice when parking."

It came just days after warnings were issued to drivers in the Staffordshire about parking responsibly as lockdown restrictions are eased.