Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service have this afternoon been attending a fire which is understood to have started in the garden of a nearby property before spreading to the canal bank.

Boaters navigating in the area are advised to proceed with caution and follow any instructions given by the emergency services or navigation staff. Smoke may still be present, and firefighting operations or recovery activities could affect access along the towpath and canal bank.

Please reduce speed, minimise wash, and be prepared for the presence of emergency vehicles, personnel and equipment.

We would like to thank boaters for their patience and cooperation while the incident is brought to a safe conclusion.