Firefighters praised for phenomenal efforts tackling 160 blazes

Firefighters across Gloucestershire have been commended for their “phenomenal efforts” in tackling more than 160 fires so far this month.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service h as dealt with more than 50 grassland fires during August.

And Gloucestershire County Council chairman Alan Preest (C, Lydney) says residents should be “unequivocally proud” of the firefighters’ highly professional service.

He also urged residents to use common sense and be mindful before lighting any type of fire on or around their property.

“Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) have, to date in August, attended over 160 fire-related incidents in the county of which over a third have related to grassland fires,” Cllr Preest said.

“We, in Gloucestershire, should be unequivocally proud of the highly professional service that GFRS provide and their phenomenal efforts in dealing with this Summers outbreaks.

“In these tinder-box circumstances I would urge residents to be mindful and use basic common sense before lighting any type of fire whatsoever on or around their property.

“There was an incident in the Lydney North area of the Lydney County Division on Monday last that caused considerable anxiety, distress and concern to many residents.”