Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident at 1.30pm on Sunday as 14 crews battle two separate fires near Mansfield. The declaration comes as the cumulative impact of multiple incidents places significant pressure on operational resources.
Two blazes near Mansfield
A fire ignited at Strawberry Hill Heath at around 2pm on Saturday, with 12 crews fighting the fire at its peak. Eight fire engines remain on site, while six others and a water carrier have been dispatched to combat a second fire that broke out at Sherwood Pines on Sunday.
Approximately 36,000 square metres of woodland and undergrowth have been destroyed in the Strawberry Hill Heath fire. Crews are anticipated to remain on site for several more hours.
Resources stretched
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service operates 24 fire stations with 30 fire engines, meaning almost half of their appliances are currently deployed at the wildfire locations. The service is operating with very limited resources and reduced pump availability, so response times to any further incidents are likely to be delayed.
The public has been urged to steer clear of the area, while residents affected by smoke have been advised to keep their doors and windows shut. The service added: "Still call 999 in an emergency."
Dry conditions and warnings
"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," the fire service stated.
Scorching temperatures continued to intensify on Sunday, with southern and south-eastern regions of England braced for the highest readings. The Met Office warned that heatwave conditions are likely to return next week, with temperatures potentially reaching 36C across 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 across nearly all of eastern and south-east England. "Exceptional" severity represents its highest classification. The index incorporates rainfall, temperature and humidity figures to evaluate potential fire intensity, but does not indicate the likelihood of wildfires starting.
