Busy fire service issue plea against 'utter carelessness' as manmade grassfires burn across South Yorkshire
“It's clear that fires like these are being started deliberately - if not that, then it's utter carelessness”
The fire service have issued general advice to people across the region as firefighters are continually called out to grassfires.
On Friday (July 31), firefighters were called out to at least three grassfires across Sheffield and Rotherham.
Crews were simultaneously deployed to incidents at Penrith Road in Sheffield, Elm Wood Farm, Swallownest at around 5pm, before spending the night in Waverley tackling yet another blaze.
A South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said after the busy night: “None of these fires are happening on their own. All of them are being caused by human behaviour.”
Dramatic images now show the scenes of these incident, where large stretches of grassland have been turned to ash.
The service have revealed that five fire engines were needed to deal with the blaze at fields around Penrith Road.
A spokesperson added: “It took firefighters several hours to contain the fire, using beaters, hose reels, small jets and water backpacks.
“It's clear that fires like these are being started deliberately.
“If not that, then it's utter carelessness.”
They have issued a series of warnings as they call on people to be careful during the hot, dry weather.
People are being advised to leave BBQs at home, avoid lighting bonfires in these conditions, and properly dispose of their rubbish - especially cigarettes.
The service have also said that people starting fires can be reported to Firestoppers anonymously on 0800 169 5558.