Fire crews tackle blaze at Market Drayton nature reserve

Firefighters responded to a blaze at Walkmill Meadows nature reserve in Market Drayton last night.

Initially alerted just before 6pm, the crew from Market Drayton arrived to find the fire spreading rapidly through grass, undergrowth, and bracken.

Efforts to tackle the fire included the use of high-pressure hose reels.

Due to the intensity of the fire, additional resources were called.

A second crew from Hodnet joined the response, adding an extra hose reel and enhancing water supply from a nearby hydrant.

These actions prevented the fire from spreading to nearby trees.

Despite the damage of approximately 20 square metres, no injuries were reported.

The fire service said, “The rapid and assertive firefighting actions of both crews prevented the fire from spreading to nearby trees and further into the reserve causing a large scale wildfire.”

Authorities suspect the fire was started deliberately.

The fire service commented, “Unfortunately, we are saddened to report that there are indications that the fire appears to have been started deliberately by person(s) unknown.”

Anyone in the area who noticed suspicious activity is urged to contact West Mercia Police on 101.

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