News

Fires destroy rare heathland

July 08, 2010

RARE heathland was destroyed in a series of fires this week.

Around three hectares of land was ruined on Yateley Common during a blaze that took 24 hours to fully control.

Firefighters from Rushmoor, Fleet, Basingstoke and Camberley stations attended the incident, which began at around 3pm on Monday.

Crews remained on the common overnight to damp down grassland and ensure the fire did not re-ignite.

It is still not known what may have caused the blaze but Danny Randall, station manager at Yateley fire station, said he believed it was due to someone carelessly disposing of a cigarette.

Meanwhile, one of the largest surviving areas of lowland heath in north Hampshire was destroyed as a small fire rapidly increased to cover nearly 100 acres on Tuesday.

Up to 50 firefighters from across Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey tackled the blaze at Hazeley Heath near Hartley Wintney.

And people have been warned to take care after crews from Rushmoor and Fleet stations spent much of Monday tackling yet another heathland blaze, miles away in Bordon.

The fire took seven hours to put out, meaning there was less cover for people in Aldershot, Farnborough, Fleet and the surrounding area.

For more on this story, see this week's News & Mail, out now.

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The most infuriating is the discarded cigarette end which has caused many a heath fire. i drove home down the A303 one sunday and the central reservartion was on fire. That was bound to be caused by a carelss smoker.

Consideration for neighbours is important too - we do have a chimnea but never use it at this time of year - the fire risk is low where we live but everyone has windows open.

pjt
16/07/2010 at 10:58

Aldershot born, obviously you and I live in the wrong area, acording to 'the editot' and some guy/girl near here, all we have to do is phone the police, cos they are sitting on their arse just waiting for a call about a bonfire. wow can you believe that, silly us! Incidently, none of this will make any sense when its been censored. WHY BOTHER!

Kip, Southwood, Farnborough
14/07/2010 at 20:54

Editor. Could you at least have the savy to indicate that comments have been 'vetted'or is that too difficult This is not the first time that 'we' have crossed swords. Could you please indicate more personably, perhaps to a direct e-mail, otherwise a person is rundown with no right to appeal. And I will take this further if you dont respond on a more personal level

Kip, Southwood, Farnborough
14/07/2010 at 20:42

Dear Kip, simply because there is no need for personal insults. Feel free to debate and be passionate, just don't be rude about other people commenting, they have as much right to be on here and have their say as you.

Editor, Guildford
14/07/2010 at 17:57

censor! why do you cut out the most important bit, you could atleast indicate item has been censored

Kip, Southwood, Farnborough
14/07/2010 at 17:21

Sunny Frimley, Frimley Err…and you live on what planet.

Kip, Southwood, Farnborough
14/07/2010 at 16:58

You didn't have to put up with it. You could have called the police. If you don't complain, don't moan when nothing gets done.

Sunny Frimley, Frimley
11/07/2010 at 22:57

I agree Aldershot Born, I think bonfires should be banned in built up areas, they stink and the smoke gets into homes. It also makes life very unpleasent for anyone with breathing difficulties. Most heath fires could be avoided if people took more care.

Kip, Southwood, Farnborough
10/07/2010 at 13:09

People should all take care when out and about with the dry weather we have at moment.

We had to put up with some one burning in their garden well in early hours of this morning 8th july 2010 - this person had flames well above 15ft high in between high trees and bushes in his garden - could of quite easy got out of control because of the wind blowing last night.

Just wish people would take their rubbish down to the local refuge instead of burning rubbish late at night in this hot weather!

yes i agree with what it states above people should be warned to take care!