NEW images have been released showing the vast amount of damage caused by a forest fire. 

Flames ripped through Ashdown Forest last night and this morning. 

They spread across 15 hectares of land - the equivalent of about 15 full-sized football pitches. 

Firefighters from Crowborough, Mayfield, Heathfield, Uckfield, Forest Row, Lewes and Seaford with support from West Sussex and Kent were needed to fight the fierce blaze.

The Argus:

Conservation officer for Ashdown Forest Steve Alton said: “The fire crews worked through the night.

“It started around 9.30pm and wasn’t really out until about 4.30am.

“The sad part is the timing of it. It’s happened right at the time where we have ground nesting birds which is a little worrying.

“But it’s a busy time for accidental fires with the bank holidays.

“Trying to find a cause for it though is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.”

READ MORE >> WATCH: MASSIVE fire sweeps across 15 hectares of 'Winnie the Pooh' forest 

An investigation is under way into the cause but it is not thought to have been deliberate.

The Argus:

Andrew Gausden, incident commander, said: “We received numerous calls at 9.30pm from members of the public and the police regarding a fire in the Ashdown Forest.

“The fire took hold quickly and was significant with approximately 15 hectares alight in a valley area behind the back of Duddleswell.

“It is always challenging with forest fires in gaining access. We used off road vehicles – five Land Rovers – and received assistance from Kent Fire and Rescue who brought in their all-terrain vehicles.

“We are not looking at it being a deliberate fire at this time. Investigations will take place over the next few days.

“We would like to thank West Sussex Fire and Rescue, Kent Fire and Rescue, Ashdown Forest Rangers and Sussex Police for their assistance with this incident.”