Over the weekend (August 1-2) Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to a number of fires in the open, varying in size and severity.
Among the more significant fires crews attended on Saturday (August 1) were:
- An out-of-control bonfire in woodland on Long Croft Road in Corby shortly before 6:45pm
- A grass fire in West Glebe Park in Corby, that crews were called to shortly before 7pm
- A fire in trees in Cranmere Avenue in Northampton at around 7:20pm
- A fire that spread to grass and twigs in Finedon Street in Burton Latimer, at 9pm
- Two large seats of fire in Gretton Brook Road in Corby
- A fire that spread to four gardens on Market Street in Northampton at around 10:15pm
On Sunday, August 2, crews continued to tackle multiple outdoor fires:
- Conifer bushes on fire in Ecton Lane in Sywell at midday
- In Fulford Drive in Northampton, crews were called to around 100 square metres of grass and shrubs on fire shortly before 2:30pm
- A field approximately 100 metres x 100 metres on fire on Holcot Road in Brixworth, at around 3:30pm
- In Towcester Road in Litchborough, shortly after 4:30pm, approximately 100 metres of field, hedge and grass verge were on fire
- In Jubilee Avenue in Corby, shortly after 6:30pm, crews were called to two separate seats of fire in woodland
- Shortly before 7pm, crews were called to approximately five x five metres of grass on fire in West Glebe Park in Corby
- At around 7:30pm, four crews attended a fire in Hood Street in Northampton, which had spread to fences and gardens
- At around 9pm, crews attended around 20 x 20 metres of grass on fire in Fulford Drive in Northampton
- Shortly after 10:30pm, crews put out a bonfire in a garden in St Andrews Crescent in Wellingborough, due to the dry conditions
These fires were started due to bonfires and barbecues burning out of control, cigarettes discarded poorly or even believed to have been started deliberately.
Fires of this kind can be avoided. During this period of prolonged dry and hot weather, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is asking residents for their support to help prevent fires where they can.
Members of the public are encouraged to follow safety advice to prevent starting fires:
- 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.
