Senior district cllrs have been urged to bring in measures to restrict "high risk" activities on Cannock Chase that could lead to wildfires.

More than three acres of land was damaged by fire at Hednesford Hills in August – and two fires devastated 15 hectares (37 acres) of heathland in Sherbrook Valley, near Brocton, killing lizards, adders and other animals and leading to the temporary closure of a section of Chase Road.

On Wednesday (30 September), Cllr Paul Fisher presented proposals to prevent future wildfires on Cannock Chase in the summers to come.

His motion at Cannock Chase District Council's full meeting was supported by fellow elected members, who also paid tributes to the efforts of the firefighters who tackled blazes across the district in recent months and police investigating the fires.

Cllr Fisher said: "Communities across Cannock Chase District have experienced repeated wildfires during the exceptionally dry summer, including fires on Cannock Chase, at Etching Hill, in Hednesford, in Rugeley and in Brereton. Lowland Heath land has also been affected.

"Wildfires in Staffordshire have resulted in the destruction of crops, the loss of animals and significant damage to heathland and other vital habitats.

"Some wildfires are started deliberately, while others can be caused by discarded litter, barbecues, cigarettes and other sources of ignition, or occur naturally.

"Wildfires require significant resources from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and can require firefighters and equipment to be diverted from other incidents and priorities.

"The increasingly regular occurrence of wildfires on and around Cannock Chase is deeply concerning and cannot be treated as an inevitable consequence of hot, dry weather.

"Everyone who lives in or visits Cannock Chase has a responsibility to reduce the risk of wildfire, but individual responsibility must be supported by clear public information and effective enforcement.

"The use of high-risk items and activities in areas vulnerable to wildfire can create a huge risk to our environment and emergency services, and appropriate restrictions should be put in place where necessary."

The motion called on the council's cabinet to bring forward a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to cover all parts of the Chase that fall within the Cannock Chase District, introducing proportionate restrictions on high-risk activities and items that could contribute to the starting or spread of wildfires.

"It added that the council would "place on record its thanks and appreciation to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, its firefighters and police, farmers, landowners (and) volunteers for their professionalism, bravery and dedication in responding to these incidents and protecting communities across our district."

The motion also proposed engaging with High Peak District Council to learn from its experience of tackling wildfires in the Peak District.

And there was a call to with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, police, farmers, landowners, community groups and other partners to improve public awareness of wildfire risks.

Cllr Olivia Lyons said: "I welcome this motion.

"When PSPOs were first brought in we had an issue with alcohol consumption in Ravenhill Park and they do work.

"We had a particular problem in Etching Hill and the local policing team were an absolute credit – they were able to identify individuals who had started fires."

Cllr Lyons also highlighted the education programme offered by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue service to local primary Schools.

Cllr Josh Bancroft said services needed to engage with secondary school-aged pupils too however.

Cllr John Parkes said: "Cannock Chase District Council and surrounding authorities cannot legislate for the stupidity of people using barbecues.

"The local policing team are outstanding – they know exactly who is causing the problems and they dealt with them superbly."

Cllr Andrea Muckley said: "We had a record number this year – 1,350 wildfires across the UK.

"It was unprecedented.

"When you see the devastation on Hednesford Hills, it is going to take 20 years to get to the normality we have lost.

"It's devastating for the wildlife and it's devastating for the heather."