Large field fire at Shiplake

Firefighters remain on the scene at large field fire between Shiplake Row Lane and the A4155 which saw 60 firefighters and ten appliances battling flames at its height.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS)received reports of farm machinery on fire at 1.04pm. Appliances from Henley, Wallingford and Henley attended, supported by colleagues from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue.

A nearby pub and other premises were temporarily evacuated by Thames Valley Police and residents in nearby Shiplake advised to shut doors and windows.

OFRS Manager Paul Bremble said: “This incident escalated rapidly because of the extremely dry conditions and a strong wind.

“We would again urge the public to take extreme care in the countryside as the heatwave continues.

“That means no open fires or BBQs except in designated areas and not throwing cigarette ends from vehicles.

“If you do spot a fire in the countryside, don’t tackle it yourself, dial 999 and give us as precise a location as you can using road junctions and local landmarks where possible. The quicker we get there the quicker we can contain the incident.”

The fire destroyed an area of 20 hectares or the size of 25 football pitches.