Crews tackle wildfire on Eversley Common

Update 9.30pm 

The stop message has come in and crews have left the scene. We will carry out a reinspection in the morning to check for any hotspots.

Update 8pm

The fire is now under control, crews are damping down and we expect to scale down our response shortly

 

Initial incident information:

We are currently tackling a wildfire on Eversley Common with the support of colleagues from Surrey and Berkshire FRSs

Firefighters are using beaters and hose reels to tackle the blaze which involves approximately 5 hectares of woodland and gorse.

Two fire engines, multiple 4×4 vehicles, water carriers and our incident command unit are on site. People in the area advised to keep their doors and windows closed due to smoke.

Initial calls came into the control room at just before 4pm today (31 May)

When warm and dry weather is present the risk of wildfires is greatly increased.In these conditions wildfires can spread quickly leading to damaged and destroyed areas of land, including natural habitats and wildlife.

The cause is currently unknown but 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