Mary Stenson

Residents in Evesham and Worcester reported smelling smoke that was believed to have drifted from a moorland wildfire near Llangynidr Reservoir, close to Ebbw Vale in South Wales. Firefighters from South Wales and Mid and West Wales were working with partner agencies to contain the challenging blaze, while Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service reported smoke in Herefordshire and the Malvern Hills. Residents affected by smoke were advised to close windows and doors, avoid the area, refrain from flying drones near the incident and seek medical advice if they experienced health concerns.

Residents across Worcestershire are being urged to prepare for a growing wildfire risk as hotter, drier summers linked to climate change contribute to more frequent fires. Recent incidents in Harvington, Welland Road, Radford and near the M5 have prompted warnings from fire services and local authorities, with officials advising people to avoid disposable barbecues, cigarettes, open fires and discarded glass. Wychavon District Council is encouraging parish and town councils to establish or update Community Emergency Plans, while Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has rated the regional wildfire risk as high.