Rural Large Bale Fires - 30/07/2026

Dear resident,

The Rural Task Force have been made aware of a number of haystack fires overnight in the East Butterwick, Messingham, Susworth and Kirton areas. So far we have been made aware of 6 fires in total. 

We are actively investigating these fires and suspect that they have been started deliberately. 

We are aware of 2 different dark coloured vehicled in the area described as being "Suspicious" as well as quad bikes being active and tracks being found near the stacks. 

I would like to encourage anyone with any information regarding these fires to call in on 101 and quote Log 16 30/07/2026. 

We take this matter very seriously. If you have any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area between the hours of midnight and 03:00hrs please review your footage for these vehicles.

We want to make anyone in the area with stacks to be vigilant and take the necessary measures to protect them as best as possible. 

To find out more about your local policing team including who your officers are, updates on policing priorities and details of meetings and events please visit https://www.police.uk.