HATFIELD: Mindless yobs set fire to field of crops

Mindless yobs set fire to field of crops

A GRASS fire that threatened to destroy an entire crop has sparked an appeal from firefighters.

The blaze, in fields that border the A1(M) by Hatfield, is believed to have been started deliberately.

But crews from Hatfield and WGC think the fire could have been a lot worse if the wind had been blowing in the opposite direction to spread it.

The incident happened at about 1.30pm last Monday, July 30.

Steve Duncan, a sub officer at Hatfield fire station, said: "We think the blaze was started by mindless and inconsiderate people, possibly youths with nothing to do now the holidays have started.

"But what with the devastation of crops in areas affected by flooding, it is sheer folly to destroy perfectly healthy crop supplies that will be needed now more than ever."

He added: "Fortunately we got there in the nick of time and the wind direction was with us.

"But next time we might not be so lucky, so we would like to warn people to be more careful and thoughtful."

Firefighters took half-an-hour to put out the flames out.

n Farmers have added their voice to the pleas to be vigilant about fire safety around crops during the dry summer months.

Bill Barr, Herts National Farmers' Union chairman, said: "Every year thousands of acres of countryside, open space and wildlife habitats are destroyed by fire.

"This risk increases during the hot weather."

He added: "Farmers want people to enjoy Hertfordshire's beautiful countryside but also to follow this simple fire prevention advice so we can all continue to enjoy it."

Fire safety advice includes:

- Never throw lighted cigarette ends out of the window

- Take rubbish home after a picnic in the countryside

- Don't light a fire in the countryside

- Only barbecue in authorised areas

- Don't leave glass bottles

- If you see a fire, report it immediately.

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