Firefighters are urging people to take extra care when out and about in the countryside after a blaze at Lindow Moss. Just after 6pm on Thursday, May 20th a crew from Wilmslow got a call to a fire in the peat bog at Moor Lane.
When the first appliance from Wilmslow got there they found that the fire had already taken hold and spread in an area that was covered in peat and heath land, which is highly flammable. Reinforcements were called in to help extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading further.
Crews from Poynton and Wilmslow battled the blaze using four main jets from open water plus water back packs, shovels and beaters until finally it was under control.
Paul Hancock, Cheshire's Chief Fire Officer said: "The crews involved in this incident did a fantastic job to contain this fire located in an area that is difficult to access.
"Fires of this nature spread extremely quickly and can pose a real threat to people's safety and the environment. Although we are not sure at this stage what caused this fire I am urging people to follow our advice and take extra care this summer to prevent a similar incident".
The following advice could help stop another potentially devastating fire:
- Dispose of smoking materials properly and make sure they are completely extinguished.
- Don't leave camp fires or barbecues unattended and extinguish them properly after use.
- Clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to prevent them magnifying the sun's rays and starting a fire.
- Explain to children the dangers of playing with lighted fires.
Every year fire is responsible for the destruction of thousands of acres of countryside, open spaces and wildlife habitat, with some fires lasting several days. Many of these fires are started deliberately but by following a few simple precautions and showing a little extra care, many others could be prevented.
If a fire breaks out call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately. Remember what looks like a small grass fire at the time can quickly turn into a major incident. However, do not attempt to put the fire out yourself unless it is very small. Grass and crop fire can travel very quickly and change direction without warning.
For further safety information visit the Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service website.
