Fire warnings follow dry weather

Fire chiefs have urged caution as continued warm weather and lack of rain leaves the countryside tinder dry.


Recent days have seen a spate of moorland, grass and forestry fires across the UK – including serious blazes in Lancashire, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Six people and a dog were airlifted from the Torridon mountains as firefighters fought 29 wild fires in the Scottish Highlands.

Northern Ireland has seen some 200 gorse fires, including some where the flames reached 12m high.

Firefighters have spent a fourth day tackling three large moorland fires at Belmont, Bacup and Ormskirk, Lancashire.

With temperatures predicted to rise again over the coming days, people are being asked to take care, especially in the countryside.

Norfolk County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service said people working the land should to exercise caution and stay safe.

Group manager Stuart Horth said: “We have seen a rise in the number of fires in grassland and forestry, most accidental but some unfortunately deliberate.

“What may start as a small fire will quickly spread when conditions are this dry. I would ask people to please be vigilant and careful and to follow our basic advice.”

Anyone working the land should have at least one tested fire extinguisher – preferably water – on their vehicle and know how to use it.

Need a contractor?

Find one now