A wildfire broke out in Delamere Forest on the UK's hottest day on record.
Eight fire engines were scrambled to the large woodland area in Cheshire at around 5.40pm last night (Tuesday). A ranger phoned 999 to report that a blaze had broken out and was spreading through the forest.
The fire - which is still raging this morning - covers a patch of woodland measuring around 40m by 40m. Crews said it was 'deep-seated' in an area that was 'difficult to access'.
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A cordon was set up near the Barnsbridge Gates Car Park as firefighters worked through the night to tackle the blaze. This morning, crews are still extinguishing hot spots and dampening down.
An initial statement issued by the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "A 999 call from a ranger to say there was a fire in Delamere Forest was received by control operators who have mobilised eight fire engines to the scene. The fire involves 40m by 40m of ground and is deep seated."
Further updates added: "Four main jets are in use and firefighters are setting up a water shuttle from nearby water. The fire is in a wooded area which is difficult to access.
"Firefighters have split the incident into sections so they can deal with the fire in the deep seated moss. They are using portable pumps to get water to the area and feed the four hose reel jets currently in use.
"The crews are liaising with park rangers and police who have set up a cordon around the fire for safety. The fire is located near to Barnsbridge Gates Car Park. Crews will continue to work throughout the night at this incident."
The most recent update issued this morning by the fire service said: "Crews stayed at this incident throughout the night and are continuing to damp down areas and extinguish hot spots of fire. One hose reel is currently in use and there is a water shuttle set up along with a portable pump to feed the hose.
"Relief crews are in attendance from Winsford and Tarporley."
The fire broke out as record-breaking temperatures were reached in the UK yesterday. It was the hottest day on record for Cheshire, with the mercury in Nantwich reaching 34.9C before 3pm.
Major fire incidents were also declared in London, Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and South Yorkshire amid the tinder-dry conditions.
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