Norfolk farmers warned to be vigilant
It follows a number of fires involving straw
Hundreds of tonnes of straw have gone up in flames in Norfolk.
Three fires, involving stacked bales are believed to have been started deliberately, with Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service attending being called to the scenes.
The first, at 11pm on Wednesday 22 September, was at Tatterford, near Fakenham. It involved 50 tonnes of straw next to a liquid fertiliser tank. It was located on a concrete pad near to a country road.
The second fire, on Thursday 23 September at 7.35pm, was at land off Saddlebow Road, Kings Lynn and involved 400 tonnes of straw on a field which had been stacked hours earlier. The straw was located off a farm track and through a locked gate.
On Monday 27 September, at Mill Hill Road in Boughton, 300 tonnes of straw in a stack were set alight at around 7pm.
All three fires have been recorded as arson.
“Stacked straw is highly flammable and due to the nature of the incidents, we know these fires were all started deliberately. If any member of the public sees anything suspicious when they’re out and about I'd urge them to contact the police on 101 or online,” said Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Norfolk County Council.
"These incidents waste valuable emergency resources and put at risk public lives. There are steps that farmers can take to help reduce the risk, but the public also needs to help by staying vigilant," said Assistant Chief Fire Officer Scott Norman.
Farm workers can take steps to help reduce the risk of arson on their land:
• Remove straw and hay from the fields as soon as possible after harvesting
• Store stacks in sixes, and keep 10m between each stack
• If stacking straw in buildings, do not put in the same building as machinery or fuels
• Store rubbish in secure metal containers
• Ensure sheds and outbuildings are locked
• Install security lighting
• Repair or replace any damaged fencing or gates.
• Check unoccupied areas regularly to ensure they are safe and secure.
• Keep fuel and chemicals locked away