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Ladybower Reservoir: Camp stove found at seat of heatwave wildfire

Chapel On Call Fire Station The fire damaged an area of woodland and moorland at Ladybower ReservoirChapel On Call Fire Station
A large area of woodland and moorland was damaged by the fire

Firefighters have hit out at "irresponsible" members of the public after finding a camp stove at the seat of a beauty spot wildfire.

Ladybower Reservoir in Derbyshire was closed on Tuesday afternoon and evening as crews tackled the blaze at Win Hill Edge in Bamford.

The service had been alerted to about one hectare of forest and moorland alight at about 15:42 BST.

Six fire engines and specialist equipment were used to tackle the fire.

Five crews returned to the scene on Wednesday morning to ensure the area was safe.

Severn Trent Water, which owns Ladybower Reservoir, has told visitors to stay away at the current time.

Chapel On Call Fire Station A camp stove found at the Ladybower Reservoir fireChapel On Call Fire Station
The camp stove was discovered by firefighters at the scene

A fire service spokesman confirmed crews found a camp stove where they believe the fire started.

They said: "We aren't sure what part of someone's common sense left their brain when they decided it was a good idea to light a camp stove when conditions were so dry and the whole country was struggling with wildfires and intense heat.

"But what we do know is that this was reckless and totally irresponsible.

"This fire has tied up our emergency resources since 15:42 yesterday. Firefighters also reported others still barbecuing in the area they were working.

"Come on people, help us out here and leave the barbecue at home."

'Stay away'

Dave Savage, from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said they were "devastated to see the distressing impact of the wildfires at Win Hill".

"The safety of firefighters helping to control the blaze, and the people and wildlife near the site is the immediate priority," he said.

"Derbyshire Wildlife Trusts' Thornhill Carr Nature Reserve is in close proximity to the site of the fire.

"The fire has not reached the reserve but is being monitored by our team and we ask that visitors to stay away from the site."

The fire came as a heatwave brought extreme temperatures to the UK.

In Derbyshire a temperature of 39C (102F) was recorded in Coton-in-the-Elms.

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