A fire leading to the closure of Tolpits Lane was accidental due to current weather conditions, it has been confirmed.  

The fire covered 50 acres of farmland and fortunately there were no injuries.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Services were called to the incident on August 13 at approximately 4.30pm.  

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Police closed Tolpits Lane so that fire crews could battle the blaze.

People who lived near the farmland were also evacuated from their homes.

A Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson said: “Twelve fire appliances attended and prevented the field fire from effecting a static caravan park and also several other commercial buildings.

“Residents from the caravan park were placed in the Tolpits Lane Community centre until it was deemed safe for them to return to their properties.

“There were no injuries.

“[The fire was] accidental due to current weather conditions.”

Watford Observer: Picture: Sean DuffyPicture: Sean Duffy

The services confirmed that upon their arrival only six acres of the field were alight, but it quickly spread towards the road due to the dry weather conditions.

According to the services, the crews stopped the fire from crossing the small road heading towards a new build housing estate and industrial premises, including Camelot – the national lottery headquarters.

However, a change in wind direction meant the fire began to spread towards a static caravan park, leading to the evacuation of residents.

The fire was stopped before it reached their homes.

Watford Observer: A fire engine at the scene. Picture: Andrew WeatherlyA fire engine at the scene. Picture: Andrew Weatherly

A spokesperson added: “Some propane cylinders became involved in the fire but again this was acted upon immediately to prevent these becoming a major hazard.

“There were some overhead high voltage power lines, but these were not affected by the fire.

“At the height of the incident 12 pumping appliances dealt with 50 acres of field, multiple hedge rows and trees well alight.”

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Services have been dealing with a number of call outs over recent weeks as fires have become out of control due to dry weather conditions.

 

Yesterday, they tweeted a warning that the grass is dry due to hot weather making green spaces vulnerable to fires.

They advised people to not use disposable barbecues, to dispose of litter properly and not to burn garden waste.

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