Firefighters have confirmed they will remain at Headon Warren throughout the night as around 80 emergency service personnel from the Isle of Wight and mainland continue battling this morning’s (Thursday) devastating wildfire.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that firefighters will remain on scene overnight, with operations currently expected to continue into tomorrow.
The crews, who first responded to the incident at 09:12, have worked in extremely challenging conditions for much of the day and are now being relieved by fresh teams arriving this evening.
Around 80 firefighters are currently involved in the operation, including crews from Freshwater, Newport, Ryde, Cowes, East Cowes, Ventnor and Shanklin, supported by colleagues from the mainland who have crossed the Solent to bolster resources and maintain fire cover across the Isle of Wight.
Emergency services continue to work alongside the Isle of Wight Council, National Trust, Southern Water and ferry operators as efforts to contain the blaze continue.
The blaze, which is believed to have started from a campfire, has torn through approximately 1000 x 800 metres of nationally important heathland at Headon Warren.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service says its Control Room is continuing to receive a large number of calls from people reporting the smell of smoke, with the smoke plume drifting across the Isle of Wight and parts of the Hampshire coastline.
Residents affected by the smoke are being advised to keep their doors and windows closed. However, the fire service says anyone who believes the smell of smoke may be coming from a separate incident in their area should check before calling 999 if they suspect another fire.
Earlier in the day, firefighters established a water relay system from Headon Rise using pumping appliances, portable pumps and a temporary dam, allowing crews on foot to tackle the flames in the remote location, as detailed by Island Echo.
A spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has said:
“We have around 80 firefighters now working to extinguish the large heathland fire at Headon Warren on the Isle of Wight.
“The crews who were first in attendance this morning, and have worked incredibly hard throughout the day, are set to hand over to fresh teams arriving on the scene this evening.
“We continue to work closely with our fellow emergency services and the local council, as well as the National Trust, Southern Water and ferry companies.
“Firefighters will be working into the night, and we expect to continue having a presence in Headon Warren throughout tomorrow, so we ask that you continue to avoid the area and allow our teams the space to reach the site.”
Footpaths across Headon Warren, including sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path, remain closed while firefighting operations continue.
Emergency services are urging the public to continue avoiding the area while crews work to bring the blaze under control.
