Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident as two large woodland fires near Mansfield put severe strain on resources amid hot, dry weather. The declaration came at 1:30pm on Sunday, with 14 crews tackling the blazes.
Fires at Strawberry Hill Heath and Sherwood Pines
A fire broke out at Strawberry Hill Heath at about 2pm on Saturday, with 12 crews tackling the blaze at its height. Eight fire engines remain at the site, while six others and a water carrier have been deployed to tackle a second fire that started at Sherwood Pines on Sunday.
The fire service said in a statement: “As of 1.30 pm, 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.”
Impact on Resources and Public Advice
“As a result, response times to any further incidents are likely to be delayed.” People have been urged to avoid the area, and residents affected by smoke advised to keep doors and windows closed. The service added: “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.”
Scale of the Blaze
About 36,000 square metres of woodland and undergrowth have been affected at Strawberry Hill Heath. Crews were expected to remain at the scene “for several more hours,” according to an update on Sunday. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has 24 fire stations and 30 fire engines, meaning nearly half of their appliances are currently at the wildfire sites.
Hot Weather and Fire Risk
Hot weather continued to build on Sunday, with the south and south-east of England expected to see the highest temperatures. The Met Office said heatwave conditions will likely return next week, with a high of 36C expected in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday.
According to the Fire Severity Index, any wildfires are likely to be exceptionally severe on Sunday in almost all of the east and south-east of England. “Exceptional” severity is its highest ranking. The index includes rainfall, temperature and humidity data, and agencies use it to assess the severity of a fire if it starts, though it does not cover the likelihood of wildfires occurring.
