BOOKS deliberately set alight are believed to have sparked a major wildfire which tore through Abbots Wood near Arlington.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has revealed the suspected cause of the blaze, which broke out on July 20 and affected approximately 600 metres by 200 metres of gorse and trees.
Eight fire appliances were initially sent to the scene after the alarm was raised at 3.10pm, including crews from Hailsham, Eastbourne and Pevensey.
Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours, supported by specialist vehicles, a High Volume Pump and a police drone.
Police officers, forestry representatives and local farmers also helped bring the fire under control. Farmers damped down fire breaks and low vegetation in an effort to prevent the flames spreading further.
Following an investigation, the fire service believes the wildfire spread from books which had been deliberately set alight.
The incident demonstrated how quickly a deliberately started fire can spiral out of control, threatening lives, property, wildlife and the wider community.
A spokesperson for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “This incident highlighted how fires can have serious and often unintended consequences, spreading rapidly, putting lives, property and the wider community at risk.”
The service is encouraging families to speak to young people about making safe and responsible choices as they prepare to receive their exam results.
However, the fire service has not said who started the fire or suggested that any particular person or group was responsible.
Its Firewise scheme works with young people who may be experimenting with fire or displaying concerning fire-related behaviour. Support is provided in partnership with families and other professionals, with sessions tailored to the needs of each young person.
More information about the scheme is available at www.esfrs.org/firewise.
