Local farmers urged to stay safe as heatwave continues

Local farmers are being advised to stay safe in the warm, dry conditions as the heatwave continues across Staffordshire.

This comes following a wildfire involving a large amount of crops in south Staffordshire.

We were called at 12.55pm yesterday (Thursday 16 July) to Bridgnorth Road in Shipley following reports of a large fire.

Eight appliances attended the scene and found a fire measuring approximately 100 metres by 150 metres.

The fire was extinguished using main jets and hose reel jets.

A man made his own way to hospital after suffering burns not thought to be life-threatening or life-changing at this time.

The cause has been deemed to be inconclusive.

Area Manager Martin Weaver said: “During hot weather, there is an increased risk in relation to standing crop fires.

“These fires can spread rapidly during hot and dry conditions, causing significant losses to crops, machinery, wildlife and neighbouring properties.

For more crop fire prevention tips, visit our website here.