Norfolk urged to prevent accidental fires despite heatwave easing
Residents asked to remain vigilant after large field and woodland fires
Norfolk residents are being urged to continue exercising caution to prevent accidental fires during the summer months.
The reminder follows a series of incidents Norfolk firefighters dealt with yesterday, which included 14 fires in the open, five of which were classified as wildfires due to their size and the resources they required.
Despite lacking legal authority to ban bonfires or stop the use of sky lanterns and disposable barbecues, Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service is advising against their usage during prolonged hot and dry conditions. These items can easily ignite fires that spread quickly, posing risks to life and property.
Among the incidents reported were fires at Blackborough End, Knapton, Aylsham, Buxton, and Gunton, with each requiring multiple fire appliances and affecting significant land areas.
The largest blaze occurred at Blackborough End where a field fire spread to an outbuilding, damaging one mile of farmland and causing a lane closure on the A47 due to smoke. The fire was contained by 9:30pm, but crews continue to damp the site.
Knapton's field fire prompted response from nearly a dozen stations, with teams deploying hose reel jets to manage the situation. Crews returned the following morning to monitor the area.
In Aylsham, a field fire requiring response from several stations led to traffic disruption and paused Bure Valley Railway operations due to smoke.
Buxton saw a woodland fire covering a 50 by 50 metre area, with firefighting efforts extending through the night and additional inspections today.
Gunton's stubble field fire was tackled swiftly, with resources mobilised from nearby stations.
In addition to these, other incidents such as field and bin fires in various locations were addressed, including support provided to neighbouring Suffolk's Dunwich fire.
Chief Fire Officer Ceri Sumner said: “Thanks to the public for their ongoing diligence in reporting fires to us early and helping us to pinpoint location. Our teams are working around the clock to ensure the safety of our county and we remain available 24/7 for Norfolk this summer.”