Burnham-On-Sea firefighters have been working alongside crews from across the region in tackling a large wildfire in the New Forest, Hampshire this week.
More than 120 firefighters from across the region have been tackling the huge wildfire, which started on Sunday when a van caught fire on the A31.
Crews have been working in hot, difficult conditions as flames spread quickly across the dry heathland.
A crew from Burnham-On-Sea Fire Station travelled to Hampshire on Tuesday (August 11th) to assist colleagues as part of a mutual aid arrangement.
A Burnham station spokesperson said Jim, Shaun, Greg and Craig took one of the Burnham pumps to help Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service with the ongoing operation.Â
The spokesperson also thanked the rest of the Burnham crews who kept the town’s second appliance available throughout the day while the team was away.
The Burnham team used a variety of equipment, including fire beaters and hoses, to try to contain the blaze from spreading. “It was very challenging conditions given the high temperatures – some of the equipment actually melted in the heat during the day.”
To support the firefighting effort, water was pumped along a five‑mile pipeline from Hightown Lake near Ringwood. The pipe, capable of moving around 1,300 litres of water a minute, provided a continuous supply for crews working on the fireground.
Forestry England said the blaze was finally under control on Tuesday evening, having affected more than 100 hectares of heathland – roughly the size of 140 football pitches.
