Fire crews deal with blaze at Birling Gap

Firefighters arrived at Birling Gap yesterday night to find flames spreading across a 100 square metre patch.

A spokeswoman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 6pm to reports of a fire in the open at Birling Gap, East Dean.

Firefighters from Eastbourne, Seaford and Heathfield attended.

“Upon arrival, there was approximately 100 square meters of gorseland alight.

“Crews used beaters, two hose reel jets and flexpacks to extinguish the fire.

“The cause of the fire is not yet known and a fire investigation is due to take place today.”

Yesterday, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service warned that an amber warning for wildfires had been issued in the county with high temperatures and dry conditions forecast until Monday.

A spokesman for the service said: “Please remember, don’t discard cigarettes, never leave a barbecue unattended, don’t burn off garden rubbish or waste and if you see a fire, call 999 straight away and move to a safe area.

“Prevention is key, stay safe.”

This followed a fire in Ashdown Forest last week.

This was sparked by a discarded disposable barbecue which was left by picnickers as they flouted social distancing guidelines designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.