The National Trust has warned that recovery of Headon Warren will “take time” after a devastating wildfire tore through around 60 acres of Headon Warren, leaving one of the Isle of Wight’s most important heathland habitats facing a lengthy road to recovery.
The conservation charity has confirmed the wildfire is now under control, with Fire and Rescue Services from Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Dorset and Wiltshire, and West Sussex continuing to make good progress in tackling the remaining hotspots and smouldering areas after an intensive multi-day operation.
The latest update comes after the Trust earlier praised the “incredible efforts” of firefighters and supporting agencies as they battled the blaze, which broke out on Thursday morning and quickly spread across the dry heathland.
At its height, more than 80 firefighters were involved in the response.
High-volume pumps were used to transport thousands of gallons of seawater up the cliffs, before a helicopter was drafted in to carry out repeated seawater drops as crews worked to contain the fire. Around 60 acres of habitat were ultimately destroyed.
The National Trust has now turned its attention to the environmental impact left behind.
A spokesperson for the National Trust has said:
“We’re pleased to see that the wildfire at Headon Warren is now under control, as firefighters continue to make good progress tackling remaining hotspots and smouldering areas.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, the helicopter crew carrying out seawater drops, and all firefighters and support teams who have worked tirelessly throughout this complex and prolonged incident.
“We’re also deeply grateful to our tenants, local organisations, landowners, neighbouring farmers, National Trust staff and the many individuals who have stepped in to support the response over recent days. This has been a truly coordinated effort, and we’re thankful to everyone involved.
“The fire has had a significant impact on this important area of heathland. Recovery of this special place will take time, and we’ll continue to assess the impact of the fire and support the landscape’s restoration.
“We know how much Headon Warren means to local people and visitors, and we’ve been greatly encouraged by the many messages of support received throughout this incident.
“With conditions remaining exceptionally dry, we continue to urge people not to light fires or barbecues, discard cigarettes or leave litter. Small actions can make a big difference in protecting wildlife, habitats and landscapes from the risk of wildfire.”
Headon Warren is home to the Isle of Wight’s largest area of maritime heathland and forms part of a nationally important landscape managed for wildlife and conservation. The fire is expected to have a significant impact on both the habitat and the species that depend upon it.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, although firefighters believe it may have started from a campfire that spread into the surrounding vegetation.
CCTV in the area and 20mph speed limits would have prevented this, clearly