Firefighters in Northamptonshire rescued a long-tailed field mouse from a wildfire that broke out in Kings Sutton on Thursday, August 13, shortly after 3pm. The crew from Towcester station spotted the singed animal darting in and out of smouldering hedgerows while they were extinguishing the flames, and after catching it, they gave it water before releasing it near a family of mice.
Rescue Amidst the Flames
The fire, which affected trees and hedgerows at Walton Grounds, Kings Sutton, was attended by Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service in support of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service just after 3.10pm. Firefighters used hose reel jets and beaters to extinguish the blaze, and crews from Towcester then employed thermal imaging cameras to identify and damp down any remaining hotspots before leaving just before 4.30pm.
A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service described the rescue: 'Whilst we were attending some trees and hedgerows involved in fire, a member of our crew spotted this miraculous little field mouse scurrying amongst the smouldering undergrowth. After some searching, we located a family of mice in the hedgerow and were able to relocate them to a safe place. After being checked over, it’s safe to say this mouse was grateful for a drink of some of our water before running off to rejoin his friends.'
Cause and Warning
The fire is believed to have started accidentally as a result of sunlight reflecting off broken glass in the hedgerow, with the rays hitting dry grass. The force reiterated advice from the government not to light fires in the open during the heatwave, due to the incredibly dry conditions. On Friday, people across England and Wales received a notification warning against lighting anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues, campfires, and fireworks.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged the public to 'take the emergency alert seriously'. The force added: 'Fires spread easily, and the damage to property and our precious local wildlife can be devastating.'
Public Reminder
In a statement, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service reminded the public to dispose of glass bottles and other litter responsibly, particularly during periods of hot and dry weather, as they can pose a fire risk. The rescue highlights the importance of fire safety during heatwaves, as dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires that can threaten both property and wildlife.
