Fire Crews Prevent Wildfire Spread in Normanton

Firefighters called to Normanton successfully contained a large hay bale fire from spreading at Elm Farm in Normanton

As the current spell of scorching hot weather continues, firefighters remain on high alert, responding to incidents and working tirelessly to prevent wildfires from spreading across the region.

Over recent days, crews have attended several fires, successfully containing them before they could escalate into larger incidents that threatened the surrounding countryside, wildlife and local communities.

One notable incident  at Elm Farm, Normanton, where firefighters tackled a fire involving approximately 500 bales of hay. Thanks to the swift actions of crews, the blaze was contained before it could spread to neighbouring fields or put nearby livestock at risk.

The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly fires can develop during prolonged periods of hot, dry weather. Dry grass, crops and vegetation can ignite easily, allowing flames to spread rapidly and making firefighting operations more challenging.

Firefighters are urging everyone to play their part in reducing the risk of wildfires by following some simple safety advice:

• Avoid lighting open fires or barbecues in the countryside.
• Fully extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials before disposing of them.
• Take your litter home, particularly bottles and broken glass, which can contribute to fire risks.
• If you discover a fire in the countryside, move to a safe location and call 999 immediately.

Every wildfire prevented helps protect lives, property, farmland, wildlife and valuable emergency resources. By remaining vigilant and following this advice, everyone can help reduce the likelihood of further incidents during the current period of extreme heat.

Fire crews will continue to monitor conditions closely and respond wherever needed to keep communities safe. If you spot a fire in the countryside, report it immediately by calling 999.