Nottinghamshire Fire Service declares major incident amid multiple wildfires

The Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has declared a "major incident" as multiple simultaneous wildfires place significant pressure on operational resources. The declaration follows several large-scale blazes across the region, including a major woodland fire at Strawberry Hill Heath in Rainworth that has affected approximately 36,000 square meters of land.

Crews also attended a fire at Sherwood Pines, though the site has remained open as the blaze was located on the outskirts of the forest. The fire service warned that due to limited resources and reduced pump availability, response times to further incidents may be delayed.

These fires coincide with an extremely dry spell across England and Wales, with July being recorded as the driest month since Met Office records began 190 years ago. Authorities have urged the public to avoid lighting campfires or barbecues and to exercise extreme caution when disposing of cigarettes.