A fire investigation has concluded that a major blaze which prompted one of the county’s largest emergency responses this week was caused by an unattended controlled burn.
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue were called to a large workshop, garage and field fire on Asperton Road, Wigtoft, on Monday 13 July, with 12 fire crews from across Lincolnshire mobilised to bring the incident under control.
The scale of the response saw eight fire appliances, an aerial ladder platform, a water carrier, a high-volume pump and a hose layer deployed to the scene, supported by specialist resources and command vehicles.
Fire crews attended from Donington, Boston (Wholetime and Retained), Kirton, Spalding (Wholetime and Retained), Sleaford, Long Sutton, Grantham, Lincoln South, Market Rasen and Gainsborough. As the incident continued into the evening, relief crews from Wragby, Horncastle and Billinghay took over operations from around 8pm.
During the incident, Lincolnshire Police closed roads between Sutterton and Wigtoft while firefighters tackled the blaze. Residents in the surrounding area were advised to keep doors and windows closed due to heavy smoke, and members of the public were urged to avoid the area.
Following an investigation, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue confirmed the fire was accidental, having started from a controlled burn that had been left unattended.
A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue said: “Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue urge residents not to burn any items in these dry conditions. The risk of fires spreading and growing out of control is significantly heightened.”
The incident highlights the dangers posed by outdoor burning during prolonged dry weather, with even small, controlled fires capable of spreading rapidly and requiring significant emergency resources to contain. Firefighters are urging residents to dispose of garden waste safely and avoid lighting fires until conditions improve.
12 fire crews including a Command Support Unit, Aerial Ladder Platform and Water Carrier attended a major blaze last night. Photo: RSM Photography
Lincolnshire Police closed roads between Sutterton and Wigtoft whilst the blaze was ongoing. Photo: RSM Photography
