Firefighter still in hospital after huge blaze

A firefighter remains in hospital on Tuesday, following a huge fire in Stoke-on-Trent last Thursday which destroyed four homes.

Dozens more properties were badly damaged and many were evacuated when the blaze in the Sandyford area broke out near Sandy Road.

The fire service said a total of six firefighters were initially taken to hospital for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion, with five of those later discharged.

A 23-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman, both from Stoke-on-Trent, were arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire and have since been released on bail according to Staffordshire Police.

Meanwhile, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has thanked people for their support as they tackled wildfires in the county.

They said staff had received hundreds of gifts, messages and even photos of the crews in action.

Ward councillor Chandra Kanneganti said Goldenhill Community Centre was "full of clothes, toiletries, food, household essentials and other items" as locals rallied around in support of those affected by the fire.

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