UNDER pressure fire crews warn one spark can be enough to trigger a major wildfire as blazes ‘jumped across roads’ in Worcestershire over the weekend.
In Berrow, near the M50 close to Upton, a fire broke out while a tractor was mowing grass and quickly spread into a neighbouring field, prompting a major response from emergency services.
The fire jumped across the road into another field of standing grass, raising fears of further spread.
A spokesperson for Upton Fire Station said: “We’ve just returned from an open fire in Berrow, which started while a tractor was mowing grass.
RISKS: This fire in Berrow near Upton jumped across a road as fire crews warned one spark could be enough to trigger a wildfire (Image: Upton Fire Station)
“The fire quickly spread, even jumping across the road into another field of standing grass.
“Thankfully, crews were able to get on top of it before it could spread any further, with assistance from neighbouring appliances from Ledbury, Pershore, Evesham, Worcester and Ross-on-Wye.
“A huge thank you also goes to a local tractor operator who assisted by creating fire breaks, helping to prevent the fire from spreading further.”
VITAL: Fire crews at Berrow responded quickly to stop a fire spreading in Berrow, near the M50 close to Upton (Image: Upton Fire Station)
Crews from Upton were supported by teams from Ledbury, Pershore, Evesham, Worcester, and Ross-on-Wye.
Other incidents included a field fire in Guarlford, near Malvern, on Friday which was attended by two engines from Malvern, the land rover unit, and a crew from Droitwich.
In Bewdley, crews responded to a fire at Maypole Piece, with road closures put in place and smoke visible from West Midlands Safari Park during an incident on Saturday.
Tenbury Wells Fire Station said crews have been tied up with “large protracted incidents” in recent days, including responding to a smell of burning at Worcester Crown Court, tackling a fire in the open at Stoke Prior, attending the large fire in Stourbridge, a blaze on the Lickey Hills, and the fire at B&M in Kidderminster.
TAXING: A firefighter tackles a fire at Guarlford, one of many crews have been dealing with across Worcestershire over the last few days (Image: Malvern Fire Station)
A spokesperson for Upton Fire Station issued a warning to the public, particularly those using machinery in dry fields.
The spokesperson said: “A government emergency message has also been sent to mobile phones.
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“There’s no need to be alarmed, but please take it seriously and remain sensible and vigilant about your surroundings.
“With conditions as dry as they are, one spark can quickly turn into a significant fire.
“Machinery operating in dry grass can create sparks and heat capable of starting fires, so please take extra care.
“Stay safe, stay alert and help us prevent these fires before they start.”
The recent blazes follow a spate of fires in Stourbridge, Pershore, and Salford Priors, some of which have destroyed homes.
In Lancelott Court, Pershore, two homes were gutted in a fire that broke out on Thursday during the hottest day of the year.
The most serious incident occurred in Stourbridge, where 19 homes were destroyed and 18 others damaged.
A fundraising appeal has raised more than £12,000 to support a family affected by the Pershore fire, part of a wider community response that has seen £125,000 raised across the West Midlands.
The Prince of Wales has thanked emergency services for “working tirelessly” to tackle wildfires across the country and offered his support to those affected.
