Shropshire firefighters help tackle out-of-control bonfire near Cheshire border

Market Drayton firefighters were called in to help Cheshire crews tackle an out-of-control bonfire near the Shropshire border.

Firefighters in Market Drayton were dispatched to a blaze in a field in Hankelow, near Audlem, at around 10.40am on Sunday (August 23).

Upon arrival, firefighters reported the incident involved a bonfire which had “spread out of control to an area of long grass, bracken and undergrowth”.

A spokesperson for Market Drayton Fire Station said the incident covered around 20 square metres of land.

They added: “The fire was extinguished within approximately five minutes of crews arriving on scene.

“Both crews remained at the incident for a further 45 minutes, damping down and turning over the affected area to ensure that no hot spots remained.

“We are pleased to report that there were no injuries at this incident.

“Despite the recent rainfall, we would ask people to refrain from having open fires at this time. The ground remains extremely dry in many areas, meaning fires can still spread very rapidly.”