ASHDOWN WILDFIRE: Services battle forest flames in Sussex

The blazes are ongoing at Ashdown Forest and in Millbrook Hill, Nutley, both near Uckfield.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) posted on social media at 2.20pm today and said: “Firefighters are currently tackling a 400 metres wildfire in Nutley, after being called at 12.31.

“Seven appliances at the scene, including specialist Land Rovers, and a Command Support Unit. Incident still ongoing.”

At 2.25pm they made a second post which said: “Firefighters are currently tackling a second wildfire in the Ashdown Forest, Kids Hill, after being called at 13.37.

“Four appliances at the scene, with crews using one hose reel jet to tackle the 200-metres gorse and undergrowth fire. Incident still ongoing.”

At 2.48pm, ESFRS said that the fire in Nutley had grown to cover 35 square hectares.

Then, at 3.28pm, it ESFRS posted on social media to say that the second fire in Ashdown Forest had "escalated to a six appliance incident with a Land Rover specialist fire vehicle en-route".

The service urged people to stay away from both areas and told "countryside lovers" to "take care and stay alert".

Today is the UK's warmest February day on record with the Met Office reporting temperatures of more than 20 degrees centigrade in London.

This is the first time temperatures this high have been reported in winter.

At 5.53pm, ESFRS posted on social media to say that both wildfires are under control.

It said: "Crews are damping down for hot spots.

"Both incidents are due to be scaled back at dusk.

"Farm machinery was used to create a fire break and prevent it from spreading.

"Advice has been given to those temporarily unable to gain access to their property.

"There have been no injuries."