Firefighters from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service were called to a woodland fire at Grace Dieu Woods, east of the village of Thringstone, after a disposable barbecue ignited surrounding vegetation on Monday.
Incident and response
The service logged the initial call at 11:10 BST. Crews extinguished the visible flames but returned on Tuesday to dampen down smouldering areas. Officers described the situation as an "ongoing incident" because of the hot, dry conditions affecting the county.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday (reported 11:10 BST) |
| Location | Grace Dieu Woods, east of Thringstone |
| Probable cause | Disposable barbecue |
| Status | Extinguished; crews returned to damp down |
Warning to the public
A fire service spokesperson emphasised how easily open countryside can be ignited during prolonged warmth. They listed everyday items and behaviours that can start wildfires, urging vigilance from visitors and residents.
"Barbecues, cigarettes, bonfires, even glassware left in the sun - all could spark a wildfire that could burn for a prolonged time. Please be extra vigilant - the public are our eyes and ears, and swift responses to fires in the open can often mean the difference between a small fire that is stopped quickly, or a wildfire that lasts for days."
The warning comes as the East Midlands remains under an amber heat-health alert from 09:00 on Wednesday until 09:00 on Thursday. Dry ground and low humidity increase the likelihood that small ignition sources will spread into more serious incidents.
Practical advice for residents and visitors
As the county experiences high temperatures, the fire service recommended simple precautions to reduce risk:
- Avoid using disposable barbecues or open flames in woodland, heathland and dry grass.
- Dispose of cigarette ends safely and do not drop glass bottles on vegetation.
- Report any signs of smoke or fire promptly to the emergency services.
Local emergency services will continue to monitor vulnerable areas while the heatwave persists. For visitors to Grace Dieu Woods and other green spaces in Leicestershire, the message from crews is clear: small acts of care can prevent damage to habitats, property and life.
Leicestershire residents with concerns about fire risk in their area can find further guidance on the fire service website and should call 999 immediately if they observe an active fire.
