Fire crews are battling a large grass fire in Melling this evening (Wednesday, August 12). Six fire engines and an off-road vehicle from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) are currently at the scene on Spencers Lane.
Crews alerted at 2.59pm
Crews were alerted to the incident at 2.59pm and arrived seven minutes later. Firefighters have been working alongside a farmer, who has been using a tractor to help create a fire break and prevent the blaze from spreading. MFRS said crews are currently tackling the fire in a wooded area.
The incident has been sectorised, while Merseyside Police has been asked to assist with traffic control.
Public advised to avoid area
MFRS has urged people to avoid the area while the incident is ongoing. People living nearby have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed. People with existing health conditions are also being advised to keep their medicines close at hand. Anyone experiencing ill effects from the smoke should contact NHS 111 for advice.
The fire service said the incident remains ongoing.
Official statement
A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: “Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is in attendance at an incident on Spencers Lane, Melling.
“Crews were alerted at 2.59pm and on scene seven minutes later. Six fire engines and an MFRS offroad vehicle are in attendance.
“On arrival, firefighters liaised with a farmer who was using a tractor to assist in creating a fire break. Currently, crews are firefighting in the wooded area.”
Wider context of wildfires
The fire comes amid a number of grass fires across Merseyside in recent weeks, including incidents in Litherland, Aintree, Everton and Altcross Meadows. Weeks of warm and dry weather have left grass, crops and gorse particularly dry, increasing the risk of fires starting and spreading rapidly.
Some 966 wildfires have been responded to across England and Wales this year, including 185 in the first 10 days of August alone, the NFCC has said. The Environment Agency said 71.3% of England is now experiencing “flash drought”, as a dry start to August followed the country’s driest July on record.
