Forest fire severely damages woodland area

1 day ago

Curtis LancasterSouth of England

The fire service said about five hectares was severely damaged

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service A burnt out wooded area with a a lot of burnt out trees — The fire service said about five hectares was severely damaged

More than 60 firefighters have tackled a forest fire in the New Forest.

Hampshire fire service was called to the blaze between Ashurst and Deerleap just after 15:30 BST on Sunday.

Crews were supported by colleagues from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, bringing the fire under control by 20:41 BST.

Firefighters confirmed about five hectares of woodland had been severely damaged and they worked with Forestry England to monitor the site overnight.

The fire service said a number of discarded disposable BBQs were found at the scene

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service A crumpled up disposable BBQ among sticks on the burnt floor. — The fire service said a number of discarded disposable BBQs were found at the scene

The fire service said the cause was not known but a number of discarded disposable BBQs, which are banned in the New Forest, were found throughout the area.

Six fire engines have remained at the scene to deal with a number of hot spots.

It comes after firefighters from Ringwood Fire Station were called to a fire in the open off Braggers Lane, Bransgore in the New Forest, at 03:11 on Saturday.