Firefighters from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to a large fire in Bobbington, South Staffordshire, last night, involving around 100 hay bales. The blaze was reported at 9.25pm on Tuesday, with crews arriving to find the bales "well alight" in a field near Crab Lane.
Firefighting response and impact
Around 15 firefighters attended the incident, using three hose reel jets and two main jets to extinguish the flames. The fire also affected nearby trees and a hedgerow. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Firefighters remained at the scene overnight to monitor hotspots and dampen down the area. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but the fire service has issued a safety message amid the ongoing dry spell.
Safety warning amid dry weather
Station Manager Liam Hickey, who attended the incident, said: "Temperatures are expected to reach more than 30 degrees today, and given the lack of rainfall this summer, we know that the fire risk is substantial."
"While the cause of this fire is still being determined, I'd ask people to take care when working in or enjoying the countryside," he added.
The fire service's warning comes as the region experiences a prolonged dry spell, increasing the risk of similar incidents. Residents and visitors are urged to be vigilant and report any signs of fire immediately.
