Crews tackle Headon Warren fire flare-up as peat burns underground
Firefighters have tackled a small blaze at the site of a coastal wildfire that burned for five days on the Isle of Wight. The fire at Headon Warren, where campfire remains were found by crews, first started on 23 July – it wiped out nine hectares (22.2 acres) of heathland. Hampshire & Isle of Wight…
Firefighters have tackled a small blaze at the site of a coastal wildfire that burned for five days on the Isle of Wight.
The fire at Headon Warren, where campfire remains were found by crews, first started on 23 July – it wiped out nine hectares (22.2 acres) of heathland.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said the fire, about midday on Tuesday, involved peat burning below ground. The service said it can smoulder for a long time when heat from a fire is trapped.
The fire’s remote location, steep slopes and nearby cliff edge made it difficult to tackle. Eighty firefighters tackled the blaze at its height with a helicopter also brought in to drop seawater on the flames.
