‘NOTHING suspicious’ has been found in an investigation into a wildfire that forced people to flee their homes.
The fire service has issued a brief response after a fire ripped through a field in Harvington on Sunday (August 2), getting just metres away from people’s homes.
Eight crews from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) battled the blaze for approximately four hours.
On Monday (August 3), the Evesham Journal asked HWFRS what had caused the fire and how firefighters had battled it.
READ MORE: Homes evacuated as wildfire spreads through village field
Fire service response
A spokesperson for the fire service said: “Crews from HWFRS were called at 11.39am to a fire in the open on August 2 in Evesham. The incident is now closed.”
When pushed for further information about the cause of the blaze, they said that an investigation had confirmed that “nothing suspicious” had been found.
FIRE: A fire left behind significant damage to a field in Harvington (Image: Victoria Rackley-Rich)
At the time of the fire, station commander John Elsworth said the fire had spread “really quickly” due to dry and windy conditions.
He said it was down to the quick thinking of firefighters that the fire didn’t reach neighbouring buildings.
“We had a fire in the field which, due to the wind and how dry everything is, spread really quickly,” he said.
“Due to the extremely assertive actions by the initial crews, the fire was extinguished just prior to any of the buildings being damaged. But this did take a significant amount of hard work in a very short period of time by the crews.
“The residents were particularly helpful and they have already expressed their extreme gratitude.
“This has been an extreme success. Today, the fire service and the crews deserve a massive pat on the back.”
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Plea from firefighters
CAUSE: The fire service said the fire in Harvington isn’t being treated as suspicious (Image: NQ)
Upton upon Severn Fire Station, which attended the incident as a relief crew, has issued a plea for people to be careful after a prolonged period of hot, dry weather.
The crew attended similar incidents in Upton and Ripple on the same weekend.
“Please don’t throw cigarette ends, matches or any rubbish from your vehicle,” a spokesperson said.
“A discarded cigarette or even a piece of glass can be enough to ignite dry grass and crops, putting homes, wildlife and livelihoods at risk.
“A few seconds of care can prevent hours of devastation.
“If you spot a fire, move to a safe place and call 999 immediately. Stay safe and help us keep our countryside protected.”