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Home » News & Events » 2018 » July » Firefighters tackle large wild fire in Kidderminster

Firefighters tackle large wild fire in Kidderminster

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Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) were called to a large wild fire at Axborough Wood, Stourbridge Road, Kidderminster at approximately 2.34pm yesterday afternoon (19 July).

Eight fire engines and a number of specialist vehicles were deployed to the incident and on arrival firefighters were faced with a fire that involved a number of fields and a wood.

Fire crews worked closely with colleagues from West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service to extinguish the fire in hot and arduous conditions. No casualties were reported at the incident

Group Commander Robert Allen from HWFRS said: "The crews worked closely with our colleagues from West Midlands Fire Service to control the wild fire, which had spread across a number of fields and Axborough Wood."

In light of this fire, the public are reminded to take note of the following outdoor safety advice:

  • Only light barbeques where they are permitted - in suitable and safe areas; never leave them unattended
  • Never use petrol on barbeques or fires, it can ignite quickly and soon get out of control. Only use approved lighting fuels
  • Clear dry vegetation, such as leaves, to form a circle of earth around the fire. Make sure it is downwind and at least 10 metres away from any buildings or structures
  • Never leave fires unattended and make sure they are fully extinguished after use
  • Extinguish cigarettes properly, don't throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows
  • Take your rubbish with you, especially glass bottles, which can magnify the sun's rays and start a fire as well as hurt people and animals
  • Avoid open fires in the countryside. Always have them in safe designated areas
  • If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately by calling 999. Early detection can prevent it from developing into a large wildfire incident
  • Don't attempt to tackle fires that can't be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible

Further safety advice can be found at www.hwfire.org.uk