Firefighters continue to tackle large heathland fire

Firefighters have worked throughout the night and remain at the scene of a large heathland blaze on the Isle of Wight.

A gorse fire was first reported at Headon Warren, in the West Wight, shortly after 09:00 BST on Thursday, and is affecting a 25-hectare (62 acre) area of woodland.

Crews from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service worked overnight to extinguish the blaze using jets and hose reels.

About 60 firefighters remain in the area, which is a National Trust property. The public has been told to stay away.

Wildfire tactical advisor, Larry Mackrell, said that it has been made more difficult by the challenging terrain, the remote location and its proximity to the cliff edge.

He said: "We are working closely with our fellow emergency services and the local council, as well as the National Trust, Southern Water and ferry companies, to ensure we can continue tackling this fire effectively and maintain cover across the island."

The service said that local farmers had been assisting crews by using tractors to create fire breaks and help them contain the fire.

Smoke from the fire has been visible on the mainland and crews from across England's south coast have been to the island to assist with the operation.

Wightlink, which runs ferry services between Portsmouth and Lymington and the Isle of Wight, said it was assisting the fire service by transporting fire engines from the mainland – which had led to some delays for passengers.

National Trust also said that it was supporting the fire service with its response.

"With the countryside currently so dry and the risk of fire exceptional, it only takes a single spark to start a devastating fire," a spokesperson said.

The fire service has asked the public to avoid the area and said it was expecting to remain at the scene for the next 24 to 72 hours.