Fire crews battle blaze at nature reserve

Fire crews across Worcestershire have spent the night battling a large fire at a nature reserve.

Crews from Kidderminster, Droitwich and Bromsgrove attended the blaze at Burlish Top Nature Reserve in Stourport at about 21:10 BST on Friday.

Wyre Forest Fire Station said about 1,200 sq m (12,900 sq ft) of land had been affected by the flames, but no cause had been identified yet.

A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service also confirmed no injuries had been reported and that the incident was declared over at 03:50 BST.

In total, the fire service received 48 calls from the public, causing calls to be redirected to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service because the lines were so busy.

Wyre Forest District Council praised the attending fire crews.

"Thank you to the fire crews who responded quickly last night," a spokesperson said.

"We're also grateful to the residents who spotted the fires and alerted them straight away, your quick action made a real difference."

The council spokesperson also confirmed a second fire had broken out at the embankment at Brinton Park, Kidderminster.

They said the cause for both fires was still unknown, but warned residents that dried-out grass and vegetation "can act like kindling".

"Even a small spark from a discarded cigarette or an untended BBQ can catch and spread across open ground in minutes," the spokesperson said.

"When visiting our green spaces, please dispose of all rubbish responsibly.

"Discarded litter and cigarette ends can easily start fires in these conditions, so please use the bins provided or take your rubbish home."

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