Havant field fire tackled by more than 40 firefighters
More than 40 firefighters are on the scene of a field fire in Havant.
We were alerted to the incident on Southleigh Road shortly after two o’clock, with initial reports indicating a fire involving hay bales.
Crews from Havant, Cosham, Southsea and Waterlooville were supported by specialist vehicles from Fareham, Portchester, Bordon and SHQ.
Firefighters using jets, hose reels and beaters were able to surround and stop the fire which affected an area approximately 300m by 200m in size.
The fire is out, but crews remain on the scene dampening down.
There’s a greater risk of wildfires during hot and dry weather. Help us protect the countryside by leaving your barbecues at home, extinguishing cigarettes properly and not starting campfires – bit.ly/HIWFRSWildfires
HIWFRS Wildfire Tactical Advisor, Mark Woods said:
“Each year we are seeing more and more large outdoor fires across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
“These incidents can cause huge damage to our local greenspaces, as well as having a significant impact on the fire service, as in order to resolve, we need to dedicate large numbers of resources for long periods of time.
“Our crews worked extremely hard in the heat yesterday to stop the fire in Havant, but we know that the best way to tackle these incidents is to prevent them in the first place.
“If you’re out enjoying the countryside, we ask that you take a picnic instead of a barbecue, take your rubbish home with you, ensure smoking materials are properly extinguished and avoid lighting campfires.”
Working with a team of tree surgeons, firefighters took evasive action, using tactics not seen in Hampshire before, by felling a few dead trees which were alight.
If left in position, the trees would have posed a danger to the public, and after being felled, firefighters were able to fully access and extinguish the trees, preventing burning embers sparking subsequent fires.
