Headon Warren Wildfire Continues To Grow As More Than 65 Firefighters Battle Blaze
- Dominic Kureen
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
A major wildfire at Headon Warren has continued to spread throughout Thursday, with smoke now reported to be drifting across the Solent as firefighters work to bring the blaze under control.
The gorse fire was first reported shortly after 9am, when it covered an area of around 150 metres by 150 metres.
Since then, it has expanded rapidly - first to 200 metres by 250 metres, then 800 metres by 400 metres - and is now estimated to be affecting an area of around 1,000 metres by 800 metres, almost quadrupling in size since firefighting operations began.
More than 65 firefighters and 14 fire engines are now involved in the response, with crews from Newport, Cowes, Ventnor, Freshwater, Shanklin, East Cowes, Ryde and Sandown joined by firefighters from Southsea, Lymington, Emsworth, Portchester, St Mary's, Hardley, Havant and Hightown.
Local farmers are also assisting by using tractors to create fire breaks in an effort to stop the flames spreading further across the heathland.
Firefighters are using a range of tactics, including water jets, hose lines and specialist off-road vehicles, to tackle the blaze.
The scale of the incident has prompted support from across the Solent, with Wightlink transporting 10 fire engines from the mainland and giving emergency vehicles priority boarding.
The ferry operator has warned that some sailings have experienced minor delays as a result.
Wightlink will also be transporting volunteers from the Rapid Relief Team UK, who are providing hot meals, refreshments and welfare support to firefighters working at the scene.
The incident has also led the Isle of Wight Steam Railway to suspend steam-hauled services for the remainder of the day.
The attraction says it has switched to diesel traction to remove any risk of lineside fires while fire crews remain heavily committed elsewhere on the Island.
Additional mainland fire engines have also been brought across the Solent to provide emergency cover for any further incidents on the Isle of Wight while local resources remain focused on Headon Warren.
The public is being urged to avoid the area, and anyone affected by smoke should keep windows and doors closed.
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