Fire service thankful for support after wildfires

Staffordshire's fire service has thanked people for their support as they tackled wildfires in the county.

It told residents: "We're honestly overwhelmed by your generosity."

Firefighters were called to a series of fires in the area, as well as elsewhere across the Midlands, during the recent dry weather.

The fire service said its staff had received hundreds of gifts, messages of support and even photos of its crews in action.

One of the messages it shared read: "You are all, quite simply, wonderful.

"We can never thank you all enough for the work you do preserving homes, landscapes and above all lives in the face of fire."

Another said: "Thank you to every single firefighter who has been involved in protecting our beloved chase. Really do appreciate you and your hard work."

The fire service said: "Every gesture, big or small, has reminded us just how special our communities are."

It said the support had also been felt by backroom staff such as control room operators and fire prevention officers.

However, while the fire service said it was grateful for the gifts it requested no more perishable food donations, because it had received "a large amount of perishable items" and it did not want them to go to waste.

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