Wildfire risk warning after large hedgerow blaze

Firefighters have warned of the increased risk of wildfires due to the hot weather, after tackling a large hedgerow blaze.

Crews from Chard, Martock, Yeovil and Taunton, attended the fire in the Winterhay Lane area of Ilminster, Somerset, on Saturday.

A significant area of conifer trees, hedgerow, grassland and an electricity pylon were on fire, which was spreading rapidly, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) said.

Natural England has also released "exceptional" and "very high" wildfire risk warnings for the West Country as a record-breaking heatwave continues. The fire service reminded people to dispose of cigarettes responsibly and not to use disposable BBQs in wild areas.

Due to the size of the incident, an additional Water Carrier from Bridgwater Fire Station also assisted with water supply in a "challenging" location, the fire service said.

The emergency service warned that with dry conditions and warm weather, fires in the open could start easily and spread incredibly fast.

DSFRS said: "Thanks to the hard work and swift action of all crews involved, the fire was successfully extinguished and the area damped down to prevent any reignition."

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