Notts Fire and Rescue Service declare a 'major incident' after rise in woodland fires

A spokesman from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “As of 1.30 pm, Sunday, August 9, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident.

“This relates to the cumulative impact of multiple incidents placing significant pressure on operational resources, rather than a single incident in isolation.

“The service is currently operating with very limited resources and reduced pump availability. As a result, response times to any further incidents are likely to be delayed.

“Still call 999 in an emergency.

“We would like to remind people not to light any fires, such as campfires or BBQs, and to take extra care when disposing of cigarettes due to the incredibly dry conditions, as a spark could spread quickly.

“Please visit our website, www.notts-fire.gov.uk, for further updates and safety advice.”

On Saturday, August 8, fire crews from across Nottinghamshire, including Mansfield Fire Station, Edwinstowe Fire Station, Ashfield Fire Station, Worksop Fire Station, Warsop Fire Statio,n Blidworth Fire Station, Hucknall Fire Station and Southwell Fire Station were called to Strawberry Hill Heath, Mansfield.

Eight fire engines, command support, and a water carrier, were at the scene at 2pm, where a large area of woodland and shrubbery was on fire.

A spokesman said: “At its height, we had 12 crews at the incident, including support from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and the Joint Police/Fire drone team.”

Crews remained on scene overnight and approximately 36,000sqm of woodland and undergrowth have been affected by this incident.

And at 12.45pm on Sunday, August 9, 6 fire engines and a water carrier were called to a forest fire at Sherwood Pines.

Crews from Mansfield Fire Station, Worksop Fire Station and Hucknall Fire Station were in attendance and were released at 4.30pm and re-inspection of the site took place throughout the day.