Spate of grass fires ‘wasting resources’ (From The Bolton News)

Spate of grass fires ‘wasting resources’

10:15am Saturday 2nd March 2013 in Local

RESOURCES are being wasted because of a spate of grass blazes, firefighters have warned.

Crews across Bolton were called out to five grass fires on Thursday and, while they may only take minutes to extinguish, firefighters say they are being kept from other emergencies.

Bolton North firefighters were called out to two blazes in a field in Withins Drive, Breightmet, at 3.30pm and to another blaze at 4.55pm in Lady Meadow Close, Tonge Moor.

Farnworth crews dealt with two grass fires at 1.50pm at a patch of grass at the rear of Spa Crescent, Little Hulton, and at 3.40pm in nearby Chedworth Crescent.

Although the fires are being treated as suspected arson attacks, firefighters say grass fires can be caused by carelessly discarded cigarettes.Paul Norris, crew manager for Bolton North, said: “These fires prevent us from helping people in trapped cars and other serious emergencies.”