A large heathland fire has broken out at Headon Warren in the West Wight, resulting in a call out for fire crews from across the Isle of Wight this morning (Thursday).
It was at around 09:15 that emergency calls reporting the developing blaze on Headon Warren, near the major tourist attraction The Needles, were first received by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS).
Pumping appliances from Freshwater, Ryde, Cowes, Ventnor, East Cowes and Newport are now on scene where a sizable area of heathland has caught fire.
Smaller, more mobile 4×4 appliances from Ryde and Shanklin have also been mobilised due to the limitations in reaching the fire ground.
It is thought that as many as 10 pumping appliances are currently on scene or still responding to the West Wight.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service says the affected area currently measures 150mx150m, with crews working to surround the blaze.
Due to the remote location, firefighters have made their way on foot to the scene using Knapsacks to extinguish the fire. No pumping appliances are able to get close to the burning gorse at present.
Operatives from the National Trust – who look after the site – are working to assist firefighters by improving access and helping to move heavy equipment and hoses.
Flames can be seen as far as The Blacksmith’s Arms, Island Echo readers have reported.
Footpaths accessing Headon Warren, including a section of the King Charles III England Coast Path, are currently cordoned off.
UPDATE @ 10:30 – Island Echo understands that further appliances from the mainland are being brought across the Solent to provide cover both at the blaze – and to standby at stations across the Island, should another incident occur.
UPDATE @ 10:56 – Firefighters have established a hydrant access point on Headon Rise, pumping water in relay up the hill using appliances and light portable pumps.
A dam has also been established to assist with supply and pressure.
UPDATE @ 12:18 – The battle to bring the blaze under control continues, some 3-and-a-half hours after fire control was first alerted to the situation.
Fire crews are working in challenging conditions – in terms of heat, access and water supply – to surround the fire, which is working through the gorse at a rapid pace.
When first discovered, the fire was estimated to be affecting an area of approximately 150×150, but this has now increased to approximately 200x250m.
Island Echo’s drone technology has been utilised to give incident commanders an aerial view of the fire ground and how it is developing, in an ever-changing wind.
Members of the public are asked to avoid Headon Warren while firefighting operations continue and to keep access routes clear to allow emergency vehicles to operate safely.
UPDATE @ 12:44 – A spokesperson for the National Trust, which owns and manages the land, has said:
“We’re aware of the fire at Headon Warren today, and our ranger team is supporting Fire and Rescue Services as they respond to the incident.
“We’d like to thank the fire crews for their swift response and ask everyone to avoid the area while emergency services are at work.
“With the countryside currently so dry, it only takes a single spark to start a devastating fire. Heathland is one of the UK’s rarest habitats and supports some of the Isle of Wight’s most precious wildlife. Fires can destroy decades of conservation work in a matter of hours and put people, wildlife and emergency responders at risk.
“If you’re visiting the countryside, please help protect these special places. Don’t light barbecues or campfires, don’t discard cigarettes or matches, and take all litter home with you – even glass bottles can pose a fire risk in hot conditions”
UPDATE @ 13:00 – HIWFRS says that the fire now covers an area of 800x400m, with more than 65 firefighters on scene – with more on the way.
Wightlink has transported at least 10 fire engines across the Solent, with several more making their way via Red Funnel from Southampton.
There are fears that the fire was started by man, with video evidence showing what appears to be a campfire as the seat of fire.
Today’s incident is expected to be lengthy, with firefighters spending around a week damping down the last time Headon Warren caught fire.
In light of the ongoing incident, IW Steam Railway has decided to stop steam operations to prevent any further field fires. As a result, a diesel train service will operate today.
The blaze continues.
UPDATE @ 15:42 – It has been confirmed that a total of 14 pumping appliances, 2 water carriers and numerous command support vehicles are now in attendance at Headon Warren, with the fire growing to 1000x800m.
Crews from Newport, Cowes, Ventnor, Freshwater, Shanklin, East Cowes, Ryde and Sandown are in attendance, supported by Southsea, Lymington, Emsworth, Portchester, St Mary’s, Hardley, Havant and Hightown.
It is understood around 22 appliances have been brought across the Solent to not only help tackle the West Wight blaze, but provide adequate fire cover elsewhere on the Island.
Another 2 water carriers are en-route.
Rapid Relief Team has been requested to attend the Isle of Wight to help provide facilities and hot meals for fire crews.
PHOTO GALLERY:
Do they not know there is a hosepipe ban in place!
Twat.
‘Like’
Wow so edgy… get a grip