Warning to residents as crews tackle large wildfire

Samantha Noble
BBC News, East Midlands
Chris Martin Fire in distance on land Chris Martin
The fire is on land near Whitwick Road, in Bardon Hill

Firefighters are tackling a large wildfire of about 2,691 sq ft (250 sq m).

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said crews were first called to a fire of about 1,614 sq ft (150 sq m) in size on the land in Bardon Hill, Coalville, Leicestershire, at about 20:00 BST on Wednesday, which they put out by 23:00.

The area, which was made up of peat, was monitored by firefighters for hotspots throughout the day on Thursday, before it took hold again in the evening, a spokesperson for the authority said.

The fire service is advising people nearby to keep windows and doors shut, and avoid the area.

Five fire engines, a water carrier and command support vehicle are at the scene, which is near Whitwick Road, said the authority.

There are no reports of injuries, a spokesperson said.

Vicky Barlow Fire in the distance behind houses. Vicky Barlow
The fire can be seen from nearby houses

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