Firefighters worked through the night to bring a wildfire under control after it broke out in a wooded area off Denne Road in Horsham on Saturday evening (April 19).
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the alarm was raised shortly after 5.16pm, following multiple 999 calls reporting a fire in the open.
Crews were dispatched immediately, with three fire engines, a water carrier, and two off-road vehicles deployed to the scene. Firefighters were joined by the service’s wildfire tactical advisor due to the scale and intensity of the blaze.
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Four Hectares Affected
In challenging conditions, crews battled flames that spread across approximately four hectares of dry land. The terrain was difficult to navigate due to dense undergrowth and uneven surfaces. Firefighters successfully prevented the blaze from reaching two nearby properties, limiting the potential damage.
A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said:
“Firefighters worked into the evening to extinguish the fire using jets and beaters, with relief crews brought in throughout the night who worked to dampen down the area and extinguish remaining signs of fire. Crews tackled around ten deep-seated hotspots using thermal imaging cameras to detect heat below the surface.”
Public Urged to Avoid Area
As of Sunday morning, fire crews remain at the scene to monitor and manage hotspots, ensuring the fire is fully extinguished. The public has been urged to avoid the area while operations continue.
Authorities are also warning residents and visitors to take extra caution over the bank holiday weekend, especially as dry spring weather has increased the risk of wildfires across the region.
Fire Safety Reminder
The fire service issued a reminder to the public:
- Do not discard cigarettes or burning materials on dry ground.
- Keep lighters and matches away from children.
- Use only designated barbecue areas.
- Dispose of glass bottles and rubbish properly to reduce fire risks.
“If you see signs of a fire, dial 999 immediately,” the spokesperson added.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries have been reported.
