Fire crews from three counties tackle 15 acre blaze

Crews from three counties have been tackling a forest fire close to Brandon Country Park since late this afternoon.

Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service was first alerted to the fire at 5.33pm today, Friday 12th August, with a crew from Brandon first on scene.

On arrival they were faced with a significantly developing forest fire and requested additional resources.

A total of 20 appliances have been attendance at the blaze throughout the evening including a number of specialist units.

Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service have been supported by crews from Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and RAF Lakenheath.

Specialist appliances included 4×4 unimogs, a drone, water bowsers and misting units.

As of approximately 11pm the fire, which covered around 15 acres of forest, was declared under control and crews will remain on scene throughout the night to fully extinguish the blaze.

Wil Tel, Suffolk Fire & Rescue Group Manager, warned people to be careful during these high temperatures.

He said: “The temperatures remain incredibly high at the moment and I appeal to all people to be really careful at what they do particularly around naked flames, barbeques, discarded cigarettes and fires in the open.

“The forest is extremely vulnerable and fires can start very quickly and develop very quickly as well.

“I appeal to all people to follow the safety advice and to stay safe.”