Last Friday afternoon (June 26), just before 4.20pm, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to a wildfire at Weekley Hall Wood, Kettering.
Fire crews from Burton Latimer, Irthlingborough, Rothwell, Kettering, Towcester, Earls Barton and Oundle attended the incident, where approximately two acres of woodland were found to be alight.
Firefighters used two extended hose reel jets, supported by wildfire backpacks, beaters and water bowsers, to bring the fire under control. The cause is believed to have been accidental, linked to the prolonged dry conditions and high temperatures experienced across the county.
Once the fire was extinguished, crews used thermal imaging cameras to identify and locate any remaining hotspots. These were dampened down using wildfire backpacks – portable 20-litre water backpacks that use a hand-operated pump to spray water.
Crews continued to monitor the site throughout Saturday and Sunday, returning to damp down any remaining hotspots. A final thermal imaging scan was carried out to ensure the area was fully safe, with no further hotspots detected.
With continued warm weather expected across Northamptonshire and the wider country in the coming weeks, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to remain vigilant and keep fire safety at the forefront of their minds.
Incidents such as the Weekley Hall Wood fire demonstrate how quickly fires can ignite and spread during periods of hot, dry weather. Fires can become difficult to control if not detected early, and wind may carry embers, increasing the risk of further fires.
Members of the public are encouraged to follow this safety advice:
- Never light open fires in the countryside
- Only use barbecues in designated safe areas
- Ensure barbecues are fully extinguished after use
- Never discard cigarettes on the ground – always extinguish and dispose of them safely
- Dispose of litter responsibly, as items such as glass bottles can start fires in sunlight
- Avoid bonfires. If necessary, ensure they are well away from buildings, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs
If you see a fire, call the Fire Service immediately, providing the exact location – using what3words can help. Always dial 999 if you notice signs of smoke or fire.
