Crews tackle large 'deep seated' fire in Ashdown Forest overnight

Sunday, 17 May 2020 16:49

Firefighters have been tackling a blaze in the Ashdown Forest overnight. Officials said they were called to a fire in the open near Gills Lap car park, Chuck Hatch Lane, Hartfield, at around 8pm on Saturday (May, 16). Six fire engines and four Landrovers from East and West Sussex, and Kent Fire & Rescue attended the incident. Fire crews and Forest Rangers reportedly used beaters, hose reels and backpacks to extinguish a deep seated fire in a large area of gorse thicket overnight. Police put road closures in place while the incident was brought under control. Firefighters remained at the scene at 3.30pm on Sunday (May, 17). A spokesperson said: "Due to the current dry weather climate, we wish to remind everyone that whilst we recognise the importance of outdoor exercise for health and wellbeing, we would ask that you are considerate in the disposal of rubbish and cigarettes. "Ensuring that cigarettes are extinguished appropriately and all rubbish placed in bins or taken home with you to help stop these fires." The cause of the fire is yet to be established. We are maintaining attendance at #Gills Lap #Ashdown Forest assisting the Forest Rangers in identifying any hot spots. Please stay away from the area. Posted by East Sussex Fire and Rescue on Sunday, 17 May 2020 More Radio is continuously dedicated to providing a quality news service on-air and online, reporting local stories that matter across Sussex. If you found this story useful, then check out our home page at moreradio.online where you can find the latest from the county, along with features and competitions from our presenters, as well as listening to the station live. You can also sign up to our news alerts to receive updates on new stories. Simply click on the bell at the bottom right of the home page. This will then allow a pop-up which will ask if you would like to receive alerts. Press ‘allow’ and you’re all signed up! You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.