Investigations are underway after a field fire close to houses in Burton Latimer led to residents evacuate their homes to escape from tree-high flames today (August 11).Four crews from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) attended the blaze on land behind two housing estates backing onto Wheatfield Drive, Oulton Close and Knockhill Close, when off-duty firefighter Chris Stephenson raised the alarm and alerted colleagues at about 4.30pm.Residents living in houses in Oulton Close and Knockhill Close watched flames race towards their back garden fences and homes.As the blaze moved closer, those living in houses nearest the fire evacuated from their homes, but not before trying to battle the flames with their own hoses. Field fire in Burton Latimer led to residents evacuating their homes/UGCOne resident said: “It was really scary. My children were freaking out. I know there’s a hosepipe ban but everyone got their hoses out and started soaking their fences. The field went up literally in minutes.”The flames were as tall as the trees. At one point the fire went towards the houses. Thankfully the fire brigade, and Chris, got here within minutes.” Residents in the surrounding area were asked to close their windows and doors whilst firefighters worked to extinguish the fire.First on the scene, Chris Stephenson, station manager for NFRS said: “We are dealing with a field fire which has spread to the hedges and trees.Chris Stephenson Northants Fire and Rescue station manager in the field in Burton Latimer/IMG“The crews have worked extremely hard to prevent the fire from spreading to the properties around the field. “We’re going to be here for some time damping down and preventing come back and do regular inspections during the night to make sure it’s extinguised properly.“It’s a timely reminder to ask everybody to be sensible when they are outside enjoying the countryside. “Please remember actions could have consequences.”The cause of the fire is under investigation. Continue Reading
Investigation underway after Burton Latimer field fire sees residents escape from tree-high flames
