Firefighters spent hours battling a wildfire near a golf course in Littlehampton that scorched approximately two acres of land.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service responded to reports of a significant wildfire on the edge of Littlehampton Golf Club, near Rope Walk, on the evening of Monday, July 14.
Littlehampton Golf Club told Golf News “This is the second fire we’ve had in a few weeks; the first one was in the dunes, we think was caused by a disposable BBQ and the second was alongside the foothpath on the course boundary”
“The course remains open, with some ash on the course, but that will soon disappear”
A spokesperson for the service stated:
“We were called at 7:05pm to reports of a large wildfire at the edge of Littlehampton Golf Club. Four fire engines and three off-road vehicles were dispatched by Joint Fire Control.”
Upon arrival, crews were met with a fast-moving blaze spreading through gorse, reeds, grassland, trees, and roughly ten tonnes of hay.
Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters quickly began containing the fire to stop it from spreading further. Crews worked into the night to fully extinguish the flames, carefully turning over and dampening the area to ensure no hot spots remained.
While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, authorities do not believe it started accidentally.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported. However, due to heavy smoke, nearby residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed.
The fire service also issued a reminder to the public: during extended dry periods, outdoor fires can ignite and spread rapidly, posing a serious threat to people, property, and the surrounding countryside. Caution is strongly advised.
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