Yateley Common wildfire prompts plea for public to take extra care

People are being urged to take extra care after firefighters were called to tackle a wildfire involving gorse and undergrowth at a common near Blackwater.

Firefighters evacuated 15 people from seven nearby properties in Stroud Lane due to the risk posed by the flames. Heavy smoke prompted a plea for residents to close their windows and doors.

Fire Control took multiple 999 calls from around 11:30am (14 July) after flames could be seen in the area around Yateley Common and at the height of the incident more than 60 firefighters were on scene.

Our crews were assisted by colleagues from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Surrey Fire and Rescue after the fire broke out.

Group manager, Ryan Thurman, the incident commander, said:

“Our crews turned up to really arduous conditions. The flames were really high and the fire was spreading really fast.

“At one point the fire jumped over a path due to the radiated heat and a significant area of the common has been damaged.

“There was a real risk to properties and wildlife and our firefighters worked tirelessly to hit the fire hard and get it surrounded.”

Land Rovers were used to access the site and firefighters battled through hot and challenging conditions to make good progress.

By 3pm, the fire – which covered an area of around 35 hectares – was surrounded and the incident was scaled down shortly after 5pm, with those who were evacuated allowed back into their homes.

Crews remain on scene to dampen down the area.

Group manager Thurman added:

“The dry and very hot weather conditions, and the fact that we’ve had no rain, increases the risk of fires like this from spreading out of control very quickly and becoming very severe.

“At this stage, we don’t know what caused the fire and we might never know.

“But what we do know is that barbecues, bonfires, discarded cigarettes and glass bottles can cause these types of fires.

“An extreme heat alert is in place for the weekend, and into next week, and an amber wildfire alert has been issued, so I’d ask people to be extra careful.

“If you do spot a fire, call 999 immediately and stay away.”

Crews from across Hampshire were involved including those from Alton, Bordon, Liphook, Fleet, Hartley Wintney, Eastleigh, Andover, Rushmoor, Basingstoke, Fareham, Alresford, Overton, Horndean, Romsey, Petersfield, Grayshott, Tadley and Beaulieu.

UPDATE 15 July 08:00: Two fire engines and two Land Rovers remained on scene throughout the night to patrol and monitor hotspots.

Callers reported heavy smoke in the area overnight and those living nearby should be aware that smoke is likely to be an issue for the next four or five hours.

Relief crews have been arranged and are now investigating larger hotspots as daylight is allowing firefighters to access harder-to-reach areas.

UPDATE 15 July 17:00: Firefighters have remained on scene throughout the day, with crews on hand to deal with the reignition of multiple hotspots.

Five fire engines and five off-road vehicles have been there and crews have worked hard to ensure the fire hasn’t spread any further.

There is now minimal smoke and fire cover will be scaled down overnight and reassessed in the morning.

UPDATE 17 July: Firefighters have revisited the site throughout the last three days to monitor and deal with hotspots.

Crews from across Hampshire have been mobilised and used jets, knapsack pumps, beaters, spades and hand tools.

The stop message was received at 19:41 today.

• If you spot a fire, dial 999 immediately and keep clear
• Use What3Words to help us find the fire quicker
• Don’t light bonfires, barbecues or campfires in the countryside
• Dispose of all rubbish – including cigarettes and glass bottles – responsibly