Croxley Green fire was 'spreading rapidly towards homes'

Crews were called to the blaze on land which borders Little Green Lane, Croxley Green, just after midday today (July 18).

The arrived to find it “was spreading rapidly and heading towards nearby homes”, according to area commander Greg Duke.

Eight fire engines, a water bowser, drone, and nebula misting device were deployed and it has since been brought under control.

Mr Duke, from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our crews worked hard to protect these properties and were able to successfully contain the fire.

"Residents from Little Green Lane were asked to evacuate their homes as a precaution.”

The “large-scale response” came as the flames spread to another field as well as some woodland and neighbouring homes were evacuated “as a precaution”

The fire seen from a Croxley Green home (Image: Contribution)

The area commander added: “I would like to thank the crews who continue to work hard at the scene and would ask residents to avoid the area. I’d also like to thank the operators in the control room who have been dealing with a high volume of calls in relation to this incident.

“The fire is now under control but work continues to extinguish it completely.

(Image: Contribution)

“This incident is a reminder of how quickly fire can spread in these hot, dry conditions, and I’d encourage everyone to take extra care and to call 999 quickly if they do see a fire in the countryside.”

Three Rivers District Council warned those in the area to keep windows and doors closed and not to approach the blaze to watch, take photos, or record videos.

A spokesperson added: “Please allow emergency services to work safely and avoid unnecessary travel near the area.”

Vehicles were unable to pass through some roads due to the fire service response and those who were driving nearby were told to close windows and turn off air conditioning.

Nearby resident John Miles said: "At about 12.30-ish I noticed a plume of smoke behind the houses on my estate at Old Merchant Taylor’s.

Little Green Lane sign left completely burned (Image: Nichola Haacke )

"We are just adjacent to Little Green Lane. I thought it looks as though the field was on fire.

"The wind was fairly strong and blowing the smoke in this direction, I become concerned because the fire was headed this way and getting bigger."