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Crews battle large wildfire over Easter weekend

Hsin-Yi Lo
BBC News, South East
Eddie Mitchell Firefighters extinguishing a wildfire in Horsham. There is smoke billowing the air.Eddie Mitchell
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service says it received reports of a wildfire off Denne Road, Horsham, on Saturday at about 17:15 BST

Emergency services have urged the public to heed wildfire prevention advice during the Easter holidays following a blaze which damaged four hectares (10 acres) of land.

West Sussex Fire & Service Service said it received multiple calls shortly after 17:15 BST on Saturday.

Three fire engines, a water carrier and two off-road vehicles were sent to the scene off Denne Road in Horsham.

A spokesperson for the fire service said firefighters worked "extremely hard" to stop the blaze spreading to two nearby properties, with crews remaining on the scene on Sunday to ensure there were no further signs of fire.

Eddie Mitchell A fire burning a tree. There is a firefighter who is assessing the extent of the damage.Eddie Mitchell
The fire service says crews remain at the scene on Sunday to ensure there are no more signs of fire

People are being urged to avoid the area while the incident is ongoing.

"Firefighters worked into Saturday evening using jets and beaters, with relief crews brought in throughout the night to dampen down the area and extinguish remaining signs of fire," a fire service spokesperson said.

"The crews worked to extinguish about 10 deep-seated hotspots which were found using a thermal imaging camera in the peat under the surface."

Eddie Mitchell A bird's-eye-view of a wildfire which damaged four hectares of land in Horsham. Some trees remain standing and undamaged by the blaze.Eddie Mitchell
The fire service is urging residents to take extra care after the dry spring weather

The fire service says after a particularly dry period this spring, wildfires can start very easily.

The fire service advises residents to:

  • Not drop cigarettes or burning materials on dry ground
  • Keep children away from lighters and matches
  • Only use designated barbecue areas
  • Dispose of glass bottles and litter properly to minimise the risk of a fire taking hold.
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