Firefighters battle field fire in Mile End near Brandon

Police officers at the scene of a field fire in Brandon on Friday afternoon. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

The fire service were called to the scene, off Crown Street, at around 10.52am today, Friday, July 20.

According to a spokesman for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, five pumps - including engines from Brandon, Bury St Edmunds Mildenhall and Newmarket - attended the scene.

She said: “100m by 120m of undergrowth is alight.

“Sheds and outer buildings are also involved in the fire.

“Police have been called to the scene.”

A police spokesman said officers were requested by the fire service to provide support.

Fire crews surrounded the fire to get it under control.

Two crews remained on scene to check for hot spots and have no left the scene.

Fire crews have had a busy month, with fires in the open breaking out all over Suffolk and Norfolk.

Dan Fearn, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Suffolk Fire and Rescue, has issued fresh advice to the public on how they can do their part in reducing the number of fires.

He said: “This sustained period of hot and dry weather, means that open land is more vulnerable to fire.

“The cause of these fires can be accidental, such as broken glass or simply a natural occurrence.

“As we have seen from a number of recent field fires in Suffolk, they can spread quickly due to the extremely dry conditions and prevailing winds.

“However we all have a responsibility to make sure we do not contribute to these fires.

“For example, barbecues should only be used at home, placed on bricks and sheltered from gusts of wind. Do not discard glass or cigarettes and never start fires or barbecues in the open.

“Our firefighters have managed and responded excellently this summer to make sure Suffolk is kept safe.

“We’d also like to thank the farmers who assist us and employers who allow our on-call firefighters to attend incidents.”

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