Investigation launched as firefighters finally close major Blidworth incident – after more than three days.

Fire officers have launched an investigation into a wildfire which ripped through 20 acres of woodland and fields in Blidworth.
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Crews were initially called to land off Blidworth Lane, near Syke Breck Lane, just after 1.30pm on Tuesday.

At its peak, on Tuesday afternoon/evening, as the region sweltered in record-breaking temperatures, 85 firefighters from 15 different crews across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire were on scene as the fire involved forestry, crops and hedgerows.

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Roads were closed, nearby homes evacuated and horses led to safety from their stables and paddocks as Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service declared the wildfire a ‘major incident’.

Area Manager Bryn Coleman said: “I’ve been in the fire service for more than 28 years and that is the first wildfire I’ve been to – that is a fire is travelling at a speed and distance you can’t contain.

Four crews remained at the scene yesterday, before finally departing at about 10.30pm last night.

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Smoke rises from the trees following the fire in Blidworth.Smoke rises from the trees following the fire in Blidworth.
Smoke rises from the trees following the fire in Blidworth.
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Group manager Matt Reavill, who visited the scene yesterday, said: “Good progress has been made. Crews have been continuing to damp down over a large area.”

Crews continued to visit yesterday, July 22, to monitor for hotspots before the incident was finally closed at 5.25pm.

A service spokesman said: “Crews have been working tirelessly to extinguish 20 hectares of forestry, adjacent fields and hedgerows.

“The site has now been handed over to the landowner. A fire investigation is currently under way to determine the cause of the fire.

“Thank you for your support and patience this week.”

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