Emergency crews from across Milton Keynes were deployed to a substantial house fire in Bradwell Common on Tuesday lunchtime, with firefighters using breathing apparatus and specialist kit to bring the incident under control.
Resources mobilised at Plumstead Avenue
The call came in around midday on 28 July, with residents advised to avoid the area in the vicinity of Plumstead Avenue while crews worked. Eight fire crews and three officers attended the scene, supported by police, as teams established a cordon and worked to prevent the fire spreading.
Crews reported using: four sets of breathing apparatus, two main jets, two hose reel jets, a short extension ladder, a thermal imaging camera, small gear and a turntable ladder vehicle. Residents were asked to keep windows and doors closed while the operation continued.
Other local incidents this week
The Bradwell Common incident formed part of a busy period for Milton Keynes fire crews, who also attended other house fires and several blazes in open ground during the current hot spell.
- A property on Chestnut Crescent, Bletchley suffered 100% smoke damage after a fire on 27 July. Two crews from West Ashland and one from Broughton, plus an officer, responded at about 6.20am. They used a turntable ladder, two sets of breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and one main jet.
- Teams also tackled three fires in the open this week, linked to the heatwave. Incidents included a fence fire in Portrush Close, Bletchley, a garden fire spreading to a fence in Cruickshank Grove, Crownhill, and a large area of bushes and grass alight in Witan Gate.
Impact and safety advice
Fire services say the spike in outdoor and property fires is consistent with higher temperatures and drier conditions. The use of breathing apparatus and aerial appliances at the Bradwell Common incident demonstrates the intensity of the fire and the multi-rescue approach employed to protect people and property.
Residents are reminded of basic precautions during hot weather: avoid leaving barbecues unattended, take care with disposable barbecues and glass on dry grass, and keep windows and doors closed if advised during nearby fires.
| Incident | Date | Response |
|---|---|---|
| House fire, Bradwell Common (Plumstead Avenue) | 28 July | 8 crews, 3 officers, turntable ladder, breathing apparatus |
| House fire, Chestnut Crescent, Bletchley | 27 July | 3 crews, turntable ladder, breathing apparatus |
| Open fires (various) | Late July | Multiple crews attended to prevent spread |
Firefighters from West Ashland, Broughton, Newport Pagnell, Slade Park and Buckingham were among those who attended the Bradwell Common scene. The coordinated response highlights the reliance on neighbouring stations and specialist appliances for incidents of this scale.
Local authorities and emergency services continue to monitor conditions and urge the public to report any fires immediately and follow any guidance from officers at the scene.
