Peat burning underground sparks heathland flare-up
The small fire on Tuesday comes nearly two weeks after the heathland fire that burned for five days.
Firefighters combated a small underground peat fire at Headon Warren, a coastal site on the Isle of Wight, that raged for five days beginning on July 23. The fire, which destroyed nine hectares (22.2 acres) of heathland, smoldered below ground, making it difficult to extinguish. The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service deployed 80 firefighters and even brought in a helicopter to drop seawater on the flames.
The fire's remote location, steep slopes, and proximity to a cliff edge posed challenges to containment efforts. As a result of the blaze, the National Trust warns that the West Wight land, which is home to the island's largest maritime heathland and rare limestone grassland, will take years to recover. Paul Davies, the National Trust countryside manager for the island, noted that the fire likely claimed numerous nesting birds, reptiles, small mammals, and amphibians.
Prior to the fire, the area's inaccessibility allowed wildlife to flourish, free from disturbances caused by walkers and dogs. While footpaths have since reopened, visitors are urged to steer clear of the burned areas to safeguard wildlife and aid the site's recovery. Warren Farm manages about 30 hectares (74 acres) of Headon Warren and collaborates with Natural England on a long-term project to restore rare maritime heathland and limestone grassland habitats.
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