Crews tackle third grass fire in a week

Firefighters were called to a third fire in Alderley Edge in a week affecting grass and garden waste.

A fire engine from Wilmslow was called to the incident on Macclesfield Road just after 4pm on Tuesday, 9th April.

On arrival crews found garden waste and hedges which were well alight and used one hose reel to extinguish the fire.

On Wednesday 3rd April they were called to an intentional fire on Hough Lane, affecting grass and woodland, which had got out of control.

Two days earlier, crews attended a grass fire, caused by an uncontrolled bonfire, on Heyes Lane which measured 10 meters by 25 meters and was extinguished using beaters.

A spokesperson from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said "Dry weather can make conditions extremely dangerous as grass fires can get out of hand very quickly, cause extensive damage and put lives at risk. They can also last for several days once a fire takes hold using up valuable Fire Service resources which could be needed elsewhere.

"Every year fire is responsible for the destruction of thousands of acres of countryside, open spaces and wildlife habitat with some fires lasting several days.

"Many of these fires are started deliberately but by following a few simple precautions and showing a little extra care, many others could be prevented."

Residents are advised to avoid using open fires in the countryside, not to leave bottles or glass in woodlands, only use barbecues in suitable and safe areas and never leave them unattended and to never throw cigarette ends out of car windows as they can ruin whole fields of crops.

The spokesperson added "Please take care when in the countryside and alert the Service to fires as early as possible via 999 calls. An early call could mean the difference between a small, easily controllable fire and a widespread, devastating fire."

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