Nottinghamshire Fire declare major incident as crews battle two giant woodland fires

Nottinghamshire Fire declare major incident as crews battle two giant woodland fires Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident at 1.30pm on Sunday while 14 crews tackle two separate wildfires near Mansfield,warning that response times to further incidents are likely to be delayed A fire service has declared a major incident after two substantial blazes in woodland areas have placed enormous pressure on resources during hot and dry weather. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident at 1.30pm on Sunday as 14 crews battle two separate fires near Mansfield. A blaze ignited at Strawberry Hill Heath at around 2pm on Saturday, with 12 crews fighting the fire at its peak, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed. 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. The fire service stated: "As of 1.30 pm, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident. This relates to the cumulative impact of multiple incidents placing significant pressure on operational resources, rather than a single incident in isolation. "The service is currently operating with very limited resources and reduced pump availability. As a result, 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. "Still call 999 in an emergency," Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service added. "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." Approximately 36,000 square metres of woodland and undergrowth have been ravaged by the blaze at Strawberry Hill Heath, with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service confirming on Sunday that crews were anticipated to remain on site "for several more hours". Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service operates 24 fire stations throughout the county with 30 fire engines. This means almost half of their fire appliances are currently deployed at the wildfire locations. 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 Met Office data incorporates rainfall, temperature and humidity figures, which agencies utilise to evaluate the potential intensity of any fire that breaks out. It does not, however, indicate the likelihood of wildfires starting.