'Miraculous' field mouse rescued by firefighters after blaze tore through Northamptonshire hedgerow
A tiny field mouse was rescued from a raging fire after being spotted darting through smouldering undergrowth by eagle-eyed Northamptonshire firefighters.
Crews from Towcester were called to Walton Grounds in Kings Sutton shortly after 3.10pm on Thursday, August 13, to support Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service at a grass verge and hedgerow blaze.
While tackling the fire, one member of the crew spotted the long-tailed field mouse scurrying among the burnt vegetation.
Firefighters managed to catch the singed animal and check it over before giving it some much-needed water.
They then searched the surrounding hedgerow, where they discovered a family of mice and were able to relocate them to a safe area.
A Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Whilst we were attending some trees and hedgerows involved in fire, a member of our crew spotted this miraculous little field mouse scurrying amongst the smouldering undergrowth.
"After some searching, we located a family of mice in the hedgerow and were able to relocate them to a safe place.
"After being checked over, it’s safe to say this mouse was grateful for a drink of some of our water before running off to rejoin his friends."
Firefighters extinguished the blaze using hose reel jets and beaters before Towcester crews used thermal imaging cameras to find and damp down any remaining hotspots.
They left the scene shortly before 4.30pm.
The fire is believed to have started accidentally after sunlight reflected off broken glass in the hedgerow and ignited the dry vegetation.
The fire service has urged people to dispose of glass bottles and other litter responsibly, particularly during periods of hot and dry weather.
The spokesperson added: "Please follow our advice not to light any fires in the open during the current dry conditions.
"Fires spread easily, and the damage to property and our precious local wildlife can be devastating."