Shropshire fire crews tackle third shocking car blaze in four days - but says they are not linked

Ellesmere Fire Station said one of its crews was sent to Overton Road in St Martins at around 4.34pm yesterday (Thursday, November 28).

It is the third car fire in the area this week - after one on the A5 on Tuesday, and another at Hanmer on Wednesday.

But in a post on social media a spokesman for Ellesmere Fire Station said they were not linked.

It also said the vehicles involved were not electric, after queries from members of the public.

The post also contained a plea for patience from the public, after cars sped by the scene past fire officers when the road was reopened after last night's incident.

It stressed that the road closures are required during such incidents because of the risk of the car fire escalating, with tyres at risk of exploding or leaking fuel posing a potential threat.

The post said: "At 16.34 this afternoon, we were called to reports of a car fire in St Martins. On arrival, we found one private car 50 per cent involved in fire.

"Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were deployed to extinguish the fire using a hosereel jet, while other crew members closed the road to protect the public from smoke and heat.

"The fire was quickly extinguished, and crews were back at the station by 18.00.

"We recognise that there has been an increase in car fires lately, and we would like to reassure the public that these events are not linked, and there is no reason to worry.

"We also know that some people have asked whether the vehicles are electric, and we'd like to confirm they are not."

Asking for understanding and patience from the public, the post added: "We also need to make a request. We understand that closing a road is frustrating. However, it is often necessary to protect people from heat, smoke, and the risks a car fire can bring.

"Tyres can explode, the gas struts supporting the boot lid or bonnet can discharge, and fuel can leak, resulting in a running fuel fire.

"Therefore, until we know it is safe, it is our duty to protect everyone from harm, but please be assured that we will open the road as soon as we can.

"Unfortunately, when we reopened the road this evening, several cars sped past us whilst we were directing traffic and re-securing equipment onto our appliance, putting us at risk.

"Please help to keep us safe by slowing down if you see a fire appliance, especially if the blue lights are active.

"Look to the crew who are with the appliance who will direct you past the incident safely, and if we ask you to slow down or stop, please do so. Thank you to the VAST majority of drivers tonight who treated us with respect and understanding."