Fire brigade issues warning after discovery of two fires in Bishop’s Stortford woodland

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service dealt with two fires in woodland between Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre and Castle Park.

The alarm was raised on Sunday (June 8) afternoon by a man walking with his family. The three adults and a child were making their way to the playground in Sworder’s Field when he spotted a fire in the undergrowth and began extinguishing it with a stick.

He then spotted a larger “bonfire” in the scrub along the River Stort, which two boys were already trying to tackle.

The man called the fire brigade and assisted the youths, who he estimated were aged 13 to 15. The witness was clear that they were trying to help.

He said heavy rain last week had, thankfully, hampered the spread of the fire, but with tinder-dry conditions previously, it could have taken hold and spread quickly.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We urge the public not to light fires in public spaces, especially dry, grassy areas where they can easily take hold and spread quickly, and we would encourage anyone who sees a fire being deliberately started to contact us or report it to the police. See our advice on reducing the risk of wildfires during dry weather.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed: “Police were called at 5.07pm on Sunday, June 8, to assist Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service with a fire in woodland near the Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre, Rye Street, Bishop’s Stortford.”