'Serious risk' warning over repeated fires in town

A motorcycle was left to burn on the side of the road in Worksop

Emergency services have issued a warning following a spate of fires across a town in Nottinghamshire.

Firefighters were called out to 16 fires in the open in Worksop within the space of a week, it was confirmed on Tuesday, which included five incidents in just over two hours on Monday.

An investigation was launched into reports of arson and a plea was made for residents to take extra care outdoors as the hot dry weather had made grass and woodland "more vulnerable to ignition".

Just hours after the alert, crews were again called to Worksop after a motorcycle was reported to be on fire in Larwood Avenue at about 21:00 BST.

A crew from Worksop station put out the fire, which it said was set on fire deliberately.

Fires fought on Monday alone included grass, undergrowth and hedgerows alight in Rayton Farm Lane, two trees on fire in Ambleside Grange, burning rubbish in a woodland off Curzon Drive, an unattended bonfire at Hannah Park and a playground blaze in Prospect Park.

New play equipment which cost £6,200 to install went up in flames

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service's Bassetlaw district manager Adrian Brizzolara asked people to report deliberate fire starting to police.

But he added accidental fire risk was heightened due to the weather.

He said: "We are asking everyone to be extra cautious - the hot, dry weather means even a small spark can turn into a large fire within minutes.

"Wildfires can spread rapidly, which we have seen recently in Worksop, and as such, it poses a serious risk to people, wildlife and property."

A clean-up operation is now under way after the Prospect Park fire

Nottinghamshire Police said it was "working closely" with the brigade to investigate reports of arson, while Bassetlaw District Council said it was "extremely shocked and disappointed" at damage caused to its open spaces.

Speaking about the damaged play equipment, councillor for environment Darren Palk said: "It is heart-breaking when a mindless incident like this happens and robs a community of something that would bring fun and enjoyment to lots of young people."