Firefighters Responding to Gorse Fire at Headon Warren, West Wight
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 Forestry England, 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.
