Countryside lovers are being urged to take care and stay alert following a large wildfire in Nutley today.
At 13:25, we were called to attend Pippingford Park, Nutley following reports of a fire in the open. At the peak of the fire, we had firefighters from Crowborough, Uckfield, Heathfield and Seaford in attendance with support from West Sussex Fire & Rescue.
The fire affected a large piece of countryside (six hectares) and firefighters used specialist equipment (flexpacks, water tenders and Land Rovers with Hose Reels) to access and extinguish the fire.
We also received support from Sussex Police who supplied drone equipment which was used to locate the source of the fire and identify any flare ups.
Following on from the current wildfire warning in place for East Sussex this week, we are urging members of the public to be ‘wildfire aware’ and to ensure that they are considerate in the disposal of rubbish and cigarettes and to think carefully if they plan on using a disposable BBQ in the countryside.
Check out our top tips and advice below:
Top Tips
If you are out enjoying exercise or having a BBQ/picnic in the countryside, check out our top tips:-
- Avoid using open fires in the countryside
- Sunlight shining through glass can start large fires - take glass bottles/jars home or put them in a waste or recycling bin
- Keep young children and ball games away from barbecues
- Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly
- Only use barbecues in suitable and safe areas and never leave them unattended
- Ensure that your barbecue is fully extinguished and cold before disposing of the contents
- Only picnic in designated areas
- Obey safety signs
- Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows - they can ruin whole fields of crops
If a fire breaks out
If you see a fire in the countryside dial 999 immediately
- Do not attempt to tackle the fire
- Give a map reference if possible or landmark and wait for the arrival of the fire appliance or ranger in a safe location near a road or carpark
- Estimate the size of the fire if possible
Don't tackle fires yourself. Always leave it to the professionals
If you have information about illegal fire setting and those responsible please report them (anonymous) to Crimestoppers online or by phone on 0800 555 111
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