Firefighters Respond to Significant Gorse Fire at Headon Warren, West Wight
Wildfire safety reminder after remains of campfire discovered at Headon Warren
The cause of the fire at Headon Warren, West Wight, is currently unknown. However, firefighters discovered the remains of a campfire in the area while tackling the incident.
During periods of hot, dry weather, campfires and barbecues can quickly spread, causing fires that put people, wildlife, and the countryside at risk. Incidents like this also require a significant emergency response, which can take firefighters away from other incidents where they may be needed.
We are urging anyone visiting the countryside to take extra care and avoid lighting campfires or using barbecues, as they can easily start fires. Please also dispose of cigarettes, litter, and other waste responsibly.
Wildfires can start easily and spread quickly in warm, dry conditions. By taking simple precautions, everyone can help protect our countryside and reduce the risk of fires.
Update – Fire Is Now Out (Monday 27 July)
The fire has now been fully extinguished.
The incident resulted in approximately 9 hectares of land being burnt. Fire crews have completed the main firefighting operation; however, teams will remain on scene to monitor conditions, carry out inspections, and check for any remaining hotspots to ensure the area remains safe.
A continued presence will be maintained throughout today and tomorrow to reduce the risk of re-ignition. Firefighters, working alongside local farmers, are also assisting with the recovery of equipment from the affected area.
Residents and visitors are asked to continue avoiding the area while this work is ongoing.
With warm and dry weather expected to continue, the risk of wildfires remains high. Everyone is urged to take extra care when spending time outdoors and help prevent further incidents:
- Dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials safely – never throw them onto the ground.
- Do not light barbecues, campfires or fire pits in the countryside – they can quickly spread and start wildfires.
- Take all litter home with you – glass bottles and other items can increase the risk of fire.
- Call 999 immediately if you see smoke or a fire – early reporting can help prevent fires from spreading.
Thank you to residents, visitors, local farmers, and all those who supported the firefighting response.
Incident update (Sunday 26 July)
We are now in day four of the gorse fire at Headon Warren, West Wight. We remain on scene with a reduced presence of two crews monitoring and damping down any hotspots.
With dry and warm weather continuing the risk of wildfires remains high and we’re urging everyone to take extra care when enjoying the outdoors:
- Dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials safely
- Never light barbecues, campfires or fire pits in the countryside
- Take litter home with you – glass bottles can magnify sunlight and start fires
- Call 999 immediately if you spot a fire
In the current conditions fires can escalate rapidly, destroying wildlife and natural habitats, as well as tying up our firefighters and fire engines for many hours.
Incident update 3.30pm (Saturday 25 July)
Our firefighters continue to monitor and damp down any hot spots to prevent flare ups.
At present we have four of our crews on site and a crew from Devon and Somerset are operating the high volume pump that is being used to extract water from the sea to use at the incident.
Our resources at this incident are likely to stay at around the same level for the rest of the weekend.
We ask that residents and visitors continue to avoid the area and some public footpaths remain closed.
Incident update 8am (Saturday 25 July)
Our firefighters have worked through the night at the scene of the Headon Warren fire with the support of a crew from Avon FRS who operated the high volume pump that is being used to extract water from the sea to use at the incident.
We currently have six crews at the incident monitoring hot spots and using jets to tackle any flare ups.
While we remain on scene at Headon Warren we ask that residents and visitors continue to avoid the area. We thank the community and all the organisations that have provided us with assistance for their support during this protracted incident.
Incident update 10pm (Friday 24 July)
Our firefighters continue to tackle the Headon Warren fire.
The helicopter water-drops have helped us make significant progress in tackling smoldering areas that are inaccessible from the ground.
With the light fading and temperature dropping we have scaled down our presence on scene, but we will have firefighters working through the night – with three crews remaining at the incident and currently monitoring and damping down any flare ups.
In the morning we will review our resourcing as we continue targeting hotspots and the temperature begins to rise again.
Incident update 3pm (Friday 24th July)
We still have around fifty firefighters at the scene in Headon Warren, this afternoon.
With the help of the helicopter water-drops, which continue, we are pleased to say we are making good progress to extinguish the areas which remain smouldering.
We want to recognise the local community for the outstanding support they have offered our crews, as well the National Trust, WightSAR, Southern Water and the island’s ferry companies amongst others, for their assistance during this protracted incident.
Firefighters will remain at Headon Warren into the weekend, and we ask that residents and visitors continue to avoid the area, with the Isle of Wight Council providing information on the public footpaths which remain closed.
Incident update 10am (Friday 24th July)
We have deployed various firefighting tactics as we continue to tackle the Headon Warren fire on the Isle of Wight.
Working with the National Trust, it has been arranged for a helicopter water-drop to assist us with dampening down areas inaccessible from the ground.
We have detailed plans in place which will see our crews initially relocate to a safe distance to ensure the safety of all those on the scene and in the wider area for the duration of the water-drop.
You can watch the water-drop on the IsleOfWight.com webcam – watch the local webcam – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq3bD7lLQzE.
Incident update 6.00am (Friday 24th July)
Our crews have worked through the night at the scene of the Headon Warren blaze.
The fire is affecting a 25-hectare area of woodland and we continue to ask for people to stay away from the site which we know is a popular dog-walking route.
We currently have around 60 firefighters on scene using jets and hose reels to tackle the flames and help prevent the fire from spreading.
Our Control Room and command teams continue to oversee the management of our resources, maintaining resilience across our areas and ensuring the rotation of crews in attendance, allowing our firefighters the deserved time to rest and recover away from the incident ground.
Incident update 9.30pm:
Wildfire Tactical Advisor, Larry Mackrell, said:
“We are dealing with a large fire in the West Wight, which is made even more difficult by the challenging terrain, its remote location and proximity to the cliff edge.
“We are working closely with our fellow emergency services and the local council, as well as the National Trust, Southern Water and ferry companies, to ensure we can continue tackling this fire effectively and maintain cover across the island.
“I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding, and I ask that they continue to avoid the area around Headon Warren, allowing our fire engines access to the affected site, as quickly as possible.
“It is important that I recognise our firefighters who are working hard in incredibly tough conditions, as well as the valued support provided by our wider teams to maintain an effective operational response.
“We expect to have a presence here for the next 24 to 72 hours so please keep an eye on our social media channels and website updates to stay informed of the latest developments.”
Incident update 6pm:
We have around 80 firefighters now working to extinguish the large heathland fire at Headon Warren on the Isle of Wight.
The crews who were first in attendance this morning, and have worked incredibly hard throughout the day, are set to hand over to fresh teams arriving on the scene this evening.
We continue to work closely with our fellow emergency services and the local council, as well as the National Trust, Southern Water and ferry companies.
Firefighters will be working into the night, and we expect to continue having a presence in Headon Warren throughout tomorrow, so we ask that you continue to avoid the area and allow our teams the space to reach the site.
Incident update 3.30pm:
Please continue to avoid the Headon Warren area on the Isle of Wight to ensure access routes are kept clear for emergency vehicles.
Our Control Room has received a number of calls reporting smoke spreading to areas across both sides of the Solent – if you are affected, please close your doors and windows.
We ask that you first check the smell of smoke in your area isn’t caused by a separate fire, and if so, please dial 999.
Our teams continue to work hard in difficult conditions, tackling a 1,000m x 800m fire on challenging terrain.
We currently have fourteen fire engines on the scene, supported by specialist vehicles including water carriers, Land Rovers and command units.
We have firefighters from Newport, Cowes, Ventnor, Freshwater, Shanklin, East Cowes, Ryde and Sandown in attendance, and they are supported by mainland teams from Southsea, Lymington, Emsworth, Portchester, St Mary’s, Hardley, Havant and Hightown.
As well as this, we have brought a number of fire engines over from Hampshire to provide cover for further incidents on the island.
Incident update 1pm:
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service continues to respond to a significant gorse fire at Headon Warren in the West Wight.
The fire is currently affecting an area of approximately 800 metres by 400 metres. Fire crews are using a range of firefighting tactics, including water jets, hose lines and specialist vehicles, to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread.
More than 65 firefighters are currently at the scene, with additional crews and resources being deployed to support the ongoing operation.
We are working alongside partner agencies and local farmers, who are assisting with firefighting efforts by using tractors to create fire breaks and help crews contain the fire.
Please continue to avoid the area while firefighting operations are ongoing and keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles.
Initial incident details:
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service received an emergency call at 9:12am this morning reporting a gorse fire at Headon Warren in the West Wight.
Crews from Newport, Cowes, Ventnor, Freshwater, Shanklin, East Cowes and Ryde are currently in attendance, working to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread. Additional support from mainland crews is also being deployed to assist with firefighting operations.
The fire is currently affecting an area of approximately 200 metres by 250 metres.
Crews are using specialist firefighting techniques to tackle the fire and protect the surrounding area.
Members of the public are asked to avoid Headon Warren while firefighting operations continue and to keep access routes clear to allow emergency vehicles to operate safely.
Further updates will be provided as the incident progresses.
