Emergency services called after fire near Ainsworth farmland

The fire was spotted at around 8pm on the border with Ainsworth Village and Lowercroft and was near land used to graze farm animals.

Locals said that young people were seen near to where the fire broke out and residents called the fire service.

One local said: “At first we thought it may be controlled burning, but there was no one nearby so I would think it was started deliberately.

Fire in Ainsworth (Image: NQ)

“Apparently were seen in the area. If it was started deliberately, it was an incredibly stupid thing to do given everything is bone dry at the moment and there are farm animals and wildlife in the area.

“The smoke was incredibly thick and the flames would flare up, however it did not seem to be spreading, probably due to the quick actions of locals.”

Only today fire chiefs nationally warned of sustained fire risk in the hot, dry conditions, with July the busiest on record for wildfires and firefighters responding to 185 wildfires in the first 10 days of August.

Firefighters have responded to 966 wildfires across England and Wales this year, including 185 in the first 10 days of August alone, while July was the busiest month on record for wildfires with 458 incidents, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said.

The NFCC said prolonged periods of hot dry weather can increase the risk of wildfires and put pressure on fire and rescue services, as it urged people to take steps such as avoiding the use of disposable barbecues, taking litter home and disposing of cigarettes safely to reduce fire risk.