Plea From Farmers As Heatwave Continues

People enjoying the countryside are being urged to exercise extreme caution when discarding cigarettes and disposable barbecues during the current scorching weather.

The National Farmers Union says the heatwave has turned rural areas into a tinderbox, just as farmers start harvesting and there are major concerns about how easily fires can start.

The warning follows a number of field fires in recent days, one is currently being tackled in Church Brampton.

Joe Stanley, county chairman for the Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Rutland National Farmers Union, said: “At the most crucial time of year for the county’s arable farmers, and in these extremely hot and dry conditions, we are urging people to ensure their cigarettes and disposable barbecues are extinguished entirely before discarding.

“It is bone dry out there and all it takes is a lit cigarette flicked out of a car window to start a catastrophic fire that can decimate an entire crop – your food – and wildlife habitats.

“Our farmers are working hard to produce the food we all eat – help us to do it by taking that extra step to ensure you’re disposing your rubbish safely.”

Pic: NFU

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service were called just after noon today to reports of a field on fire near Church Brampton.

Crews from The Mounts, Moulton, Long Buckby and Daventry are all currently at the scene dealing with a large crop fire, which has spread quickly due to the dry, hot weather.

The public are being advised to avoid the area if possible, as police will be closing Holdenby Road to assist with access for Crews.