A third mainland fire service has been drafted in to help tackle the devastating Headon Warren wildfire, with firefighters entering a third day of operations to extinguish lingering hotspots and prevent the blaze from reigniting.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that firefighters from Avon Fire and Rescue Service have joined the incident, bringing with them a specialist High Volume Pump capable of extracting seawater for use on the fire ground.
The additional support follows the deployment of resources from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service on Friday.
The blaze, which broke out on Thursday morning, has destroyed around 60 acres of nationally important heathland and prompted one of the largest wildfire responses seen on the Isle of Wight in recent years.
Firefighters worked through the night at Headon Warren and, as of this morning (Saturday), 6 crews remain at the scene monitoring hotspots and using jets to tackle any flare-ups.
The High Volume Pump is being used to draw water directly from the sea before pumping it to the fire ground, providing crews with a reliable water supply as they continue damping down the estimated 60 acres of scorched heathland.
Yesterday, a specialist MD Hughes 500 helicopter carrying an underslung Bambi Bucket was brought in from the West Country, carrying out repeated water drops over the smouldering landscape while ground crews tackled the blaze from below.
Although the fire is now under control, firefighters are expected to remain at Headon Warren for some time as they continue to extinguish hotspots and reduce the risk of the blaze reigniting.
Residents and visitors are once again being urged to avoid the area while emergency services remain at work.
A spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said:
“Our firefighters have worked through the night at the scene of the Headon Warren fire with the support of a crew from Avon FRS (Fire and Rescue Service) who operated the high volume pump that is being used to extract water from the sea to use at the incident.
“We currently have six crews at the incident monitoring hot spots and using jets to tackle any flare ups.
“While we remain on scene at Headon Warren we ask that residents and visitors continue to avoid the area. We thank the community and all the organisations that have provided us with assistance for their support during this protracted incident.”
