Affinity Water were made aware of a fire at Stockers Lake yesterday morning, 21st August. This was immediately reported to the estates team who undertook all necessary steps.
Maydencroft attended site to undertake an inspection and recommended action regarding the health and safety of the trees. The area was barriered off and the footpath was temporarily closed.
The Herts Fire and Rescue Department and Wildlife officers Simon and Charlie were also on site dealing with the situation.
There are 3 trees in total that were scorched and 2 have been taken down as they were unstable and could fall at any point. The main tree was about 20 metres tall. Some smaller trees were also cut down to allow a clear path for the large tree to be felled safely. A lot of the branches from the bigger tree had fallen in to the lake.
The trees have been checked for wildlife and there is no wildlife in them or around the area. We have also checked the bat box that’s in one of the unharmed trees near where the fire was and the bat box is fine.
After speaking to the lake Bailiff, they suspect this may be the 2 young youths which started the fire last week in swim 1 whilst a hornet’s nest on the footpath was being treated.
Affinity Water posted today that the area is now safe.