FIRE UPDATE: Flames out but crews still fighting

The fire that ravaged the countryside near Prebbleton yesterday has been put out but fire fighters are still on high alert.

Incident controller Chris Hewitt said: "It has been extinguished but we've got quite a lot of mopping up work to do, ensuring there is no reignition.

"There is a lot of agricultural grass that's been clipped and baled up in plastic which is causing us concern because embers can settle in that for a large amount of time."

Mr Hewitt said wind levels had lifted, which was a "huge concern" to fire services.

"If the wind really picks up that could cause the smallest ember to reignite."

Mr Hewitt said a change in direction from nor'west to nor'east was also a concern, as it could blow the fire into fresh fuel.

He said five crews of about 25 staff were currently on site.