Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) crews spent the night tackling a wildfire that tore through scrubland near Ives Head Trig Point, close to Shepshed, after flames were reported shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, July 29.
Scale of the incident and response
Photographs released by emergency crews show extensive scorched ground where the fire travelled across an area estimated at approximately 100 by 200 metres. Seven fire engines and a water carrier were initially deployed to the scene. Crews maintained a presence through the night before scaling back to four engines and later three pumps and a water carrier as the situation moved into a suppression and monitoring phase.
- Location: Ives Head Trig Point, near Shepshed
- Time reported: Shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, July 29
- Area affected (approx.): 100 x 200 metres
- Resources initially deployed: Seven fire engines and a water carrier
- Current resources: Three pumps and a water carrier (as of Thursday)
- Casualties: None reported
Fire service warnings and weather context
LFRS emphasised that the recent prolonged hot, dry conditions have left grass, crops and woodland extremely vulnerable to ignition. The service warned that even a small spark can rapidly escalate into a substantial blaze in such conditions and urged the public to exercise caution.
"The latest on the scrubland wildfire, which began yesterday just south of Shepshed, is that this remains an ongoing incident,"
The spokesperson added that crews would continue to damp down and monitor the area for the rest of the day and potentially into the evening. Officials also said the cause of the fire at Iveshead Farm is not yet known.
Practical advice for residents and visitors
As a precaution, people living nearby were asked to keep windows and doors closed to reduce smoke ingress while emergency operations were ongoing. Authorities also reiterated common-sense steps to prevent similar blazes:
- Do not use disposable barbecues on grassland or near hedgerows.
- Avoid lighting bonfires or campfires during dry spells.
- Never discard lit cigarettes from vehicles or near dry vegetation.
- Report any signs of smoke or small fires to the emergency services immediately.
Images shared by LFRS from the site show burnt vegetation and areas still dampened by crew activity. While there were no reported injuries, the event underlines how vulnerable rural and semi-rural parts of Leicestershire remain during periods of hot, dry weather.
Local residents with concerns about property or livestock should contact Leicestershire County Council or LFRS for guidance. InfoRadar will continue to monitor the situation and will publish updates as further information becomes available from emergency services.
