Blackwater woodland blaze battled by Hampshire crews
A large woodland fire was tackled by firefighters in Blackwater yesterday evening.
Crews from Yateley, Fleet, Rushmoor, Alton and Hartley Wintney were alerted to the incident in Yateley Heath Wood shortly before 7pm.
Supported by water carriers and Land Rovers, firefighters used hose reels to surround and stop the fire.
The incident was handed over to the Forestry Commission before firefighters returned to station following the stop message at 22:30.
A number of reinspections have taken place overnight and this morning with crews dampening down hotspots.
These simple tips will help you to stay safe in the countryside and protect it for others to enjoy:
- Don’t start campfires in the countryside
- Never take barbecues or lit charcoal of any kind to enclosed spaces for example tents
- Never leave barbecues unattended and dispose of them appropriately
- Don’t leave glass bottles in direct sunlight as this could start a fire
- Don’t start a fire or barbecue in areas that strictly state this is prohibited such as the New Forest National Park
- Make sure cigarettes are out and correctly dispose of them
- Take home your litter or make sure you put it in a bin
- Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby in case of emergency
- Leave plenty of room around your barbecue
- Set up barbecues on level ground which is away from dry grass, bushes, fences, tents and other structures
If you see a fire
- If you do see a fire in the countryside, get to safety and contact us immediately – dial 999
- Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water
- Give a map reference if possible, otherwise give a landmark such as a farm or pub to help locate the fire
- Download the What3Words app on your phone to help us pinpoint incidents
- Estimate the size of the area that’s burning
- Describe the type of terrain (grass, bracken, forest, open moorland etc)
- Evacuate the area as soon as possible
