Fears for Herefordshire countryside as fires ravage farmland

Crews from fire stations across the county have dealt with five fires involving dry crop in the last week alone.

Hereford Group commander Thom Morgan wants to send out a message after spotting fire hazards strewn across the ground.

He has seen glass bottles, plastic and cans cause wildfires and is warning people to be sensible.

Hereford and Worcester firefighters dealt with a fire caused by a small glass bottle Picture: Thom Morgan

RELATED NEWS:

• Herefordshire firefighters tackle multiple crop fires in hot weather
• Pictures: combine harvester fire leaves Herefordshire field black
• Herefordshire firefighters called to another combine harvester fire

Last weekend crews from Hereford and Worcester fire service put out another open fire caused by a discarded glass bottle refracting the sun’s rays onto tinder dry undergrowth, said Mr Morgan.

"Assertive fire-fighting from the crews prevented potentially devastating escalation," he said.

“The message is one of vigilance and extra care in these tinder-dry conditions,” he said.

“Even if people think they are being careful with disposable BBQs or fire in the open, the conditions are such that the smallest of sparks can cause fires which rapidly get out of control.

“Also, the responsible disposal of litter can avoid everyday objects like glass bottles from starting fires purely by refracting the sun’s rays.”

Please be vigilant during this heatwave, he said.