FIREFIGHTERS are expected to remain at Abbots Wood for several more hours after a large area of gorse and trees caught fire near Arlington today (Monday).
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to the wildfire at 3.10pm, with eight fire appliances initially sent to the scene.
At its height, the fire covered an area measuring approximately 600 metres by 200 metres.
Crews from Hailsham, Eastbourne and Pevensey were among those involved, supported by 4×4 vehicles from Seaford and Crowborough, as well as Uckfield’s dual-purpose truck and water carrier.
A police drone was used to help assess the scene, while a High Volume Pump was deployed to provide water for firefighters.
Police officers and forestry representatives have also been working alongside the fire service.
Local farmers joined the operation by damping down fire breaks and areas of low vegetation to help bring the incident under control.
In an update issued at 8.45pm, the fire service said crews had worked ‘extremely hard’ and made good progress.
The incident was subsequently scaled back to two fire engines and one four-by-four vehicle, although firefighters were expected to remain at the scene for several more hours.
Members of the public are being asked to continue avoiding Abbots Wood and the Robin Post Lane area while the emergency response remains in place.
A further update is expected from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service in the morning.
