Visitors told to avoid landmark after fire

A stock photo of the Wrekin in Shropshire. There are beautiful rolling hills with lots of vibrant green and red colour. There are clouds in the sky but there is an orange glow. We can see fields and farmland that is miles away. Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

The Wrekin is usually popular with walkers on a weekend

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Visitors are being told to stay away from Shropshire landmark the Wrekin after a fire broke out.

Firefighters have been tackling the blaze involving trees and undergrowth, the county's fire and rescue service said.

Crews worked through the night after being called at about 21:15 BST on Saturday, and were hampered by difficulties accessing the area.

The popular destination would usually be busy with walkers on a weekend, but Telford & Wrekin Council said people were being urged not to travel.

"Crews are on site working hard to bring the situation under control," the authority added.

"Their efforts are focused on containing the fire and ensuring public safety."

'Really difficult'

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager Craig Jackson said it was "really difficult" for crews to deal with the fire on Saturday night due to access issues, but it was under control as of 11:00 BST on Sunday.

"We are urging the public to stay away at present while we move equipment up and down the hillside," he said.

"We would like to warn people [about] having campfires, barbecues and especially bonfires while we've got his dry period which can quickly spread into the countryside."

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