A large heathland fire has broken out at Headon Warren in the West Wight, resulting in a call out for fire crews from across the Isle of Wight this morning (Thursday).
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It was at around 09:15 that emergency calls reporting the developing blaze on Headon Warren, near the major tourist attraction The Needles, were first received by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS).
Pumping appliances from Freshwater, Ryde, Cowes, Ventnor, East Cowes and Newport are on scene where a sizable area of heathland has caught fire.
Smaller, more mobile 4×4 appliances from Ryde and Shanklin have also been mobilised due to the limitations in reaching the fire ground.
It is thought that as many as 10 pumping appliances are on currently on scene or still responding to the West Wight.
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Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service says the affected area currently measures 150mx150m, with crews working to surround the blaze.
Due to the remote location, firefighters have made their way on-foot to the scene of the blaze using Knapsacks to extinguish the fire. No pumping appliances are able to get close to the burning gorse at present.
Operatives from the National Trust – who look after the site – are working to assist firefighters by improving access and helping to move heavy equipment and hoses.
Flames can be seen as far as The Blacksmith’s Arms, Island Echo readers have reported.
Footpaths accessing Headon Warren, including a section of the King Charles III England Coast Path, are currently cordoned off.
UPDATE @ 10:30 – Island Echo understands that further appliances from the mainland are being brought across the Solent to provide cover both at the blaze – and to standby at stations across the Island, should another incident occur.
UPDATE @ 10:56 – Firefighters have established a hydrant access point on Headon Rise, pumping water in relay up the hill using appliances and light portable pumps.
A dam has also been established to assist with supply and pressure.
UPDATE @ 12:38 – The battle to bring the blaze under control continues, some 3-and-a-half hours after fire control was first alerted to the situation.
Fire crews are working in challenges conditions – in terms of heat, access and water supply – to surround the fire, which is working through the gorse at a rapid pace.
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When first discovered, the fire was estimated to be affecting an area of approximately 150×150, but this has now increased to approximately 200x250m.
Island Echo’s drone technology has been utilised to give incident commanders an aerial view of the fire ground and how it is developing, in an ever-changing wind.
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.
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