Crews battle large fire at Ashdown Forest

Firefighters worked throughout the night to tackle a large fire at Ashdown Forest.
Picture: Dan JessupPicture: Dan Jessup
Picture: Dan Jessup

A spokesman for East Sussex Fire said crews were notified of the blaze at 7.58pm on Saturday (May 16).

The spokesman said a 'large area of gorse' was alight.

Firefighters were called to assist the forest rangers in putting out the fire - which broke out near the Gills Lap car park - East Sussex Fire said.

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Six appliances and four Landrovers from East and West Sussex and Kent Fire & Rescue are on the scene.

Crews have been working throughout the night to bring a deep seated fire in a large area of gorse thicket under control.

Working closely with Forest Rangers, they are using beaters, hose reels and backpacks to extinguish the fire.

A spokesman for East Sussex Fire said: "We wish to thank Sussex Police who have assisted with road closures and our colleagues in West Sussex and Kent Fire and Rescue.

"The cause of the fire is unknown at present.

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"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."