Firefighters Battle Major Blaze at Historic RAF Wigsley Site

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A huge blaze has erupted at the historic RAF Wigsley Airfield, threatening wartime buildings as fire crews battle through the night to protect the former military site.

Firefighters were called to the scene at around 1:25 a.m. on Saturday after reports of a large fire involving hay bales and standing crops at Wigsley Old Airfield in Nottinghamshire. The former Royal Air Force site, which was operational during the Second World War, remains home to several original wartime buildings that are now at risk from the flames.

According to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, approximately 12,000 tonnes of hay and corn are involved in the fire. Seven fire engines and a water bowser were deployed to contain the blaze. Emergency crews continue to work under difficult conditions to stop the fire from spreading further across the rural site.

Group Manager Leigh Holmes, who leads the operation on the ground, shared photos from the scene showing thick smoke and fields alight. “Crews are working hard to control the fire and prevent further damage,” he said. The cause of the blaze remains unknown at this time, and fire investigators are expected to examine the scene once it is safe to do so.

Defence Heritage

Wigsley Old Airfield was constructed between 1941 and 1942 as a satellite base for the Royal Air Force. It played a role in Britain’s air defence strategy during the Second World War and remained active until its closure in July 1958. While no longer in military use, the site has retained several original structures from the war, making it historically significant.

The fire has sparked concerns over preserving these remaining defence buildings, which interest local historians and heritage groups. As modern threats to historical sites increase, incidents like this raise important questions about protecting Britain’s military past.

Residents in the area were alerted to the fire by smoke and emergency vehicle lights in the early hours. One local, who lives nearby, said, “You could smell the burning before you even saw the smoke. It’s a part of our history, so we’re all hoping the damage isn’t too bad.”

The fire service has urged the public to stay away from the site and keep windows closed due to smoke drifting into surrounding villages. So far, there have been no reports of injuries, and nearby homes are not believed to be at risk.

Authorities will release further information as the investigation progresses. For now, crews remain focused on securing the area and preserving as much of the historic airfield as possible.