East Sussex Fire and Rescue has been called out four times over the last few days to a scrub fire at Rye Harbour next to the wharf.
The first was on Saturday evening 25 July when, from the windows of the houses nearby, smoke could seen billowing from land by the river Rother. There was no need for home evacuation.
On 26 Sunday July there were two more incidents, as people from the village were seen with buckets of water trying to put the fires out.
The fourth call out was on the morning of Monday 27 July when both Hastings (The Ridge) and Rye appliances were in attendance.
Shaun Rogers, watch manager with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said, “With the prolonged hot, dry weather, even a small spark can quickly turn into a serious fire. Grass, hedgerows, woodland and heathland are particularly vulnerable, and fires can spread much faster than many people realise. People can be proactive by avoiding lighting barbecues in parks, on beaches, in woodland or on dry grass.
“It is important never to discard cigarette ends on the ground or from a car window: make sure they are fully extinguished. It is equally important not to leave glass bottles or broken glass in the shrubland or the countryside, as sunlight can sometimes concentrate and spark off a fire. Regrettably, some fires are deliberately started maliciously.
“If you spot a fire, move to a safe place immediately and call 999, asking for the Fire and Rescue Service. Give as precise a location as possible.
“It’s also worth remembering that many wildlife species are nesting or sheltering in long grass and hedgerows at this time of year, so preventing fires helps protect both people and nature.”
Image Credits: Kt bruce .