Peat burning underground sparks heathland flare-up

Firefighters have tackled a small blaze at the site of a coastal wildfire that burned for five days on the Isle of Wight.

The fire at Headon Warren, where campfire remains were found by crews, first started on 23 July - it wiped out nine hectares (22.2 acres) of heathland.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said the fire, about midday on Tuesday, involved peat burning below ground. The service said it can smoulder for a long time when heat from a fire is trapped.

The fire's remote location, steep slopes and nearby cliff edge made it difficult to tackle. Eighty firefighters tackled the blaze at its height with a helicopter also brought in to drop seawater on the flames.

The land in West Wight, home to the Isle of Wight's largest maritime heathland and rare limestone grassland will take years to recover, The National Trust has said.

Paul Davies, the island's National Trust countryside manager, said a large number of nesting birds will have died as well as reptiles, small mammals and amphibians.

Before the fire, the area's remote location meant there was little disturbance from walkers and dogs, allowing wildlife to thrive.

Footpaths have reopened, but walkers are being asked to avoid any burnt areas to protect wildlife and allow the site to recover.

At its peak, 80 firefighters tackled the blaze, with Isle of Wight crews supported by firefighters and engines ferried over from the mainland.

About 30 hectares (about 74 acres) of Headon Warren, which is cared for by the National Trust, is farmed by Warren Farm as part of a long-term partnership with Natural England to restore rare maritime heathland and limestone grassland habitats.