Stoke-on-Trent homes damaged by barbecue-caused grass fire

An investigation by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue has determined that a disposable barbecue caused a grass fire in Sandyford Park, which subsequently spread to residential areas in Stoke-on-Trent. The fire caused severe damage to four homes in the Goldenhill area, destroying roofs and blowing out windows, and damaged several gardens on Sandy Road and Maureen Avenue.

Rapid spread was attributed to high wind speeds and extremely dry conditions. During the incident, four firefighters were hospitalized due to heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation; three have since been discharged while one remains under medical care. Residents were evacuated to a local community centre during the blaze.

The incident follows several fires across the West Midlands and Wales, leading Prime Minister Andy Burnham to announce a temporary national ban on disposable barbecues due to hot weather conditions.