Pressure on firefighters continues as another large blaze erupts on grassland
Firefighters spend hours at Maltby ‘pit top’ as flames spread
Rotherham has been hit by another major grass fire as the summer drought continues - with firefighters spending more than four hours to bring it under control.
Flames were reported on land off Tickhill Road at Maltby, an area known locally as the ‘pit top’, just after 6pm on Tuesday August 11.
The blaze swept across open grassland, creating large amounts of smoke, and fire crews who attended were there until 10.20pm.
Footage of the incident also shows a farm tractor towing a water tanker, being used to feed a hose aimed at the flames.
Fire crews returned early the following morning to check for hot-spots and were due back later to confirm there was no re-emergence of the fire.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have been inundated with outdoor fires, either on open land or affecting gardens, since the summer’s multiple heatwaves and lack of rain left the area tinder dry.
As a result, the service has issued advice to residents - including an appeal to report anyone known to be starting fires to the FireStoppers service on 0800 169 5558, which can be done anonymously.
They have also asked that barbecues are left at home and that people avoid lighting garden bonfires, because conditions are unsuitable at present.