Warning to public after forest fire hits Englemere Pond area

Around 30 firefighters tackled this week's blaze at Englemere Pond off Swinley Road near Ascot which erupted around an acre of undergrowth and trees at around 1.30pm on Monday.

Crews from Wokingham, Wokingham Road, Whitley Wood, Ascot and Windsor helped out, along with two specialist off road vehicles from Maidenhead Fire Station.

Stop was received at 3.30pm.

Cllr Iain McCracken is executive member for culture, corporate services and public protection on Bracknell Forest Council - the authority most affected by the fires six years ago which blazed for days and exceeded the resource demands of the Windsor Castle fire engaging 200 firefighters.

He said the council in partnership with the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service had plans in place to help prevent and respond to wildfire, which included staff training exercises.

But the public must play its part.

He said: “Existing signage at the site promotes responsible use of heathland areas and asks public to be careful in dry conditions.

"I cannot stress enough the importance of this, particularly as we approach the warmer months; all residents can play a part in preventing wildfire and I urge everyone to stay safe. You can find information on how you can help prevent wildfire by visiting the fire service’s website.”

Crew manager Scott Pay from Bracknell Fire Station said of this week's blaze: "It was a fairly big fire. It started off fairly small but then the wind picked up and made it worse.

"After the pumps got it under control we had to damp down the area to make sure it didn't spread."

It is not believed the fire was deliberately started.

Station manager Nev Griffiths called on people to be mindful of where they set up campfires and barbecues.

The warm spring experienced so far this year has led to hopes that a similarly hot and dry summer could follow.