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BBC News
an hour ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Ravensden field fire started accidentally, says fire service
A large field fire was believed to have started accidentally, a fire service has said. Crews tackled the blaze in Ravensden, near Bedford, on Friday, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said. About 25 acres (10 hectares) of grassland and hedgerow were destroyed, it added. It said crews used "a range of firefighting methods including hose reel jets and specialist lances" to put the flames out and stop it from spreading. The fire service warned people to "take extra care whilst out and about, especially with BBQs, smoking materials and any other kind of naked flame" during the warmer weather, when the ground was dry. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
A14 lanes reopen after crash and oil spill
A section of the westbound A14 in Suffolk was closed for several hours following an earlier crash. National Highways said two lanes of the three-lane section between junction 39 for Kentford and junction 27 for west Newmarket were shut at about 12:20 BST on Saturday. All the lanes have since reopened, it added. It said a specialist team was called to clear an oil spill that occurred during the collision. A road sign was also damaged. A traveller caught up in the congestion believed a car had smashed into the central reservation and spun across the road. At its peak there had been delays of about 30 minutes on the approach and about four miles of congestion, National Highways added. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Related internet links National Highways
BBC News
14 hours ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Essex crews tackle three large field fires in just one day
Fire crews from 19 stations tackled three large field fires in one day across a county. Essex Fire Service said on Friday it attended blazes in Grays, Rayleigh and the time of the incident roads were closed in the area and smoke was seen blowing over the A129 and three fires were put out, the fire service confirmed. At 09:53 BST the service was called to reports that 37 acres (15 hectares) of standing crop was alight in Stifford Clays, Grays. At 15:38 it was called to a seven-acre (three hectares) fire on Amersham Court, Rayleigh, where one outbuilding was damaged. Crews were later called to Conrad Road, Witham, at 17:21, to put out a 74-acre (30 hectares) field fire. Group manager Marc Diggory said crews in Rayleigh "worked hard to extinguish the fire and stop it from spreading to nearby properties". He confirmed it spread to one outbuilding but no-one was injured. The recent warm weather had increased the risk of wildfires, the fire service said. It asked that people reduce the risk of further incidents by stubbing out cigarettes and disposing of them properly. It also asked people to avoid lighting campfires or barbecues in the countryside. "If you do, make sure they are fully extinguished before you dispose of them," the service said. "Never leave barbecues or bonfires unattended and discard your rubbish, especially glass bottles, responsibly." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
A14 carriageway closed near Newmarket due to crash and oil spill
A section of the westbound A14 in Suffolk has been closed due to a crash. National Highways said the section between junction 39 for Kentford and junction 27 for west Newmarket were shut at about 12:20 BST. It said a specialist team was en-route to clear an oil spill that happened in the collision. A road sign was also damaged, it added. A traveller caught up in the congestion believed a car had smashed into the central reservation and spun across the road. There have been delays of about 30 minutes on the approach and about four miles of congestion, National Highways added. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bravery award for man, 84, who fought off mugger
A pensioner who fought off a mugger with the help of a pair of jeans has been commended for his bravery. Ron Croker was on his own at the Coin-Op Launderette in Maltby, Rotherham, on 7 January when a masked Lloyd Smith burst in and demanded his wallet. Mr Croker, 84, wrapped a pair of jeans around his arm to protect him from any potential weapons and shoved Smith, 42, back through the door. This week, Mr Croker was presented with a commendation for his "tremendous courage" in fighting off Smith, who has since been jailed for the attack. Mr Croker suffered bruises to his hands and arm but otherwise escaped without losing his wallet or any other items. He previously told the BBC he had worked "all my life" for his money and decided Smith was "not having it". Rotherham District Commander Ch Supt Andy Wright said Mr Croker's actions had been "nothing short of remarkable". "We often talk about police officers running towards danger when others run away from it," he said. "In this instance, Ron did neither. He stood his ground, fought for what is right and showed tremendous courage when it would have been easy not to." According to South Yorkshire Police, Smith was identified by members of the public after CCTV footage of the attack was publicised. Smith, of Myrtle Grove, Rotherham, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and was jailed for three years and nine months at Sheffield Crown Court in June. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North More on this story Launderette robber fought off with jeans jailed Launderette robber fought off with pair of jeans Related internet links South Yorkshire Police
