Streatley field fire and suspected arson in Mortimer heathland

Firefighters warn of tinder-box heathland conditions in heatwave

FIREFIGHTERS have warned of tinder-box like conditions after the recent heatwave, following two blazes this afternoon (Thurs), including a Streatley field fire and suspected arson in Mortimer grassland.

Two fire engines were called at 1.30pm from Dee Road Fire Station, in Tilehurst, to Streatley Hill, to extinguish a field fire.

Firefighters departed the scene at 3.30pm.

Just over two hours later, at 4pm, one fire engine was called from Whitley Wood Fire Station in Reading, to a suspected arson in grassland next to Hammonds Heath, in Mortimer.

The blaze was extinguished by firefighters using a hosereel.

Firefighters departed the scene at 4.30pm.

A firefighter afterwards warned members of the public of “tinder-box” conditions currently affecting heath and grassland, following the heatwave.

He issued a reminder to not toss away any matches, cigarette ends, or bottles likely to reflect sunlight, any of which could trigger an inferno-like blaze, given the prevailing conditions.