Police are seeking information after a significant fire broke out in approximately 200 acres of corn fields at Upper Hill Farm in Chalford on the evening of July 4. Witnesses reported seeing a man walking away from the scene shortly after the blaze began, and authorities urge anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The fire spread rapidly due to dry, windy conditions, causing extensive damage over a vast area. Four fire engines from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service responded quickly, working for nearly two hours to contain the flames and prevent further destruction.
A spokesperson from the fire service confirmed that crews were called out at 21:39 and successfully controlled the fire by 23:08. The response included two engines from Stroud, alongside units from Nailsworth and Cirencester.
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Gloucestershire police have issued warnings to the public about the risks of careless actions, such as discarding cigarette butts or leaving BBQ coals unattended, which can easily trigger similar fires, especially in dry weather.
Details of the incident have been shared on the Your Community Alerts Gloucestershire website. The police stress the serious risk posed by such fires and encourage anyone with information regarding the man seen near the fire to contact them via the non-emergency number 101 or through the Gloucestershire Constabulary website, quoting Incident 581 of July 4, 2025.
In an emergency, residents are reminded to call 999 immediately.