Woodland fire affects two acres during heatwave

News imageNorthamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service An area of woodland with a tree stump on fire in the foreground. There is burnt grass and trees, and smoke near the ground.Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service
The fire took hold on Friday afternoon

A two-acre woodland fire started accidentally during the recent heatwave and dry conditions.

Crews were called to a wildfire in Weekley Hall Wood, Kettering, at about 16:20 BST on Friday.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service warned people to remain vigilant, with the warm weather expected to continue.

Incidents like this "demonstrate how quickly fires can ignite and spread during periods of hot, dry weather", it said.

News imageNorthamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service A red fire engine in woodland, with a red hose running along the ground. It is surrounded by trees, bushes and grass.Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service
Crews from Burton Latimer, Irthlingborough, Rothwell, Kettering, Towcester, Earls Barton and Oundle attended

"Fires can become difficult to control if not detected early, and wind may carry embers, increasing the risk of further fires."

The service also asked people never to light open fires in the countryside, to have barbecues only in designated safe areas, and not to discard cigarettes on the ground.

It also appealed for people to dispose of litter responsibly, "as items such as glass bottles can start fires in sunlight".

News imageNorthamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service Smoke in the air in a woodland, with large trees and a dry, brown ground.Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service
The fire spread on Friday afternoon during the heatwave

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