Major incident declared as two huge fires rip through UK woodland

A fire service has declared a major incident as two large fires in woodland areas have put a strain on resources amid hot and dry weather conditions. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident at 1.30pm on Sunday while 14 crews tackle two separate fires near Mansfield.

A fire broke out at Strawberry Hill Heath at about 2pm on Saturday, with 12 crews tackling the blaze at its height, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said. Eight fire engines remain at the site, while six others and a water carrier have been deployed to tackle a second blaze that broke out at Sherwood Pines on Sunday. The fire service said in a statement: “As of 1.30 pm, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident. This relates to the cumulative impact of multiple incidents placing significant pressure on operational resources, rather than a single incident in isolation. The service is currently operating with very limited resources and reduced pump availability.

“As a result, response times to any further incidents are likely to be delayed.”

People have been urged to avoid the area, and residents affected by the smoke have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed.

“Still call 999 in an emergency,” Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service added.

“We would like to remind people not to light any fires, such as campfires or BBQs, and to take extra care when disposing of cigarettes due to the incredibly dry conditions, as a spark could spread quickly.”

About 36,000 square metres of woodland and undergrowth have been affected by the blaze at Strawberry Hill Heath, and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said in an update on Sunday that crews were expected to remain at the scene “for several more hours”.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have 24 fire stations across the county with 30 fire engines.

This means nearly half of their fire appliances are currently attending the wildfire sites.

Hot weather continued to build on Sunday, with the south and south-eastern parts of England expected to see the highest temperatures.

The Met Office said heatwave conditions will likely return next week, with a high of 36C expected in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday.

According to the Fire Severity Index, any wildfires are likely to be exceptionally severe on Sunday in almost all of the east and south-east of England.

“Exceptional” severity is its highest ranking.

The Met Office data includes rainfall, temperature and humidity, and agencies use the index to assess the severity of fire if it starts. It does not cover the chances of wildfires occurring.