Large area of Lee-on-the-Solent woodland damaged by fire

Crews from Gosport, Fareham, Waterlooville and Havant were sent to the scene at Alver Valley Country Park at around 6pm yesterday, with the HIWFRS Control Room receiving more than 20 emergency calls.

The incident command team from Headquarters were also mobilised to assist.

SCAS paramedics were on the scene to treat one casualty for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters worked hard to prevent the fire spreading to a nearby historical village made up on thatch properties.

Using Land Rovers, jets, beaters and knapsack pumps, firefighters surrounded the blaze involving a 500m by 300m area.

Firefighters left the scene at around 9pm, with one crew returning this morning to conduct a reinspection of the area, checking for remaining hotspots.

Sadly, these fires leave lasting damage to the countryside and local wildlife. Firefighters found two slow worms amongst the charred grass, and came across a deer enjoying what is left of their habitat.

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.