We can confirm that the Fire and Rescue Service was mobilised on the evening of Wednesday, 17 May 2023 to deal with a heath fire on Bryher. Nobody was hurt in the incident.
Following a 999 call at 2134hrs, the fire crew on Bryher arrived at the scene at 2149hrs. Supporting crews from Tresco and St Mary’s were also alerted and mobilised.
Firefighters used a hose reel and beaters to extinguish the fire by 2225hrs. Approximately 50 square meters of heathland was burnt by direct fire.
It’s believed that the fire was started by a firework landing in the heath. Our Fire & Rescue Service would like to take this opportunity to remind the public of the risks of using fireworks, fire lanterns and BBQs, particularly as we are now experiencing warmer weather with ground and vegetation that is drying out. We urge the public not to use fireworks or fire lanterns and to follow this outdoor and BBQ fire safety advice from the National Fire Chiefs Council:
- DO NOT burn garden waste and NO bonfires at this time. They can get out of control and create extra work for your Fire and Rescue Service
- NEVER leave a BBQ unattended or to smoulder. BBQs should be placed on a flat surface away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs and garden waste
- NEVER fly sky lanterns. They cause significant danger of fire
- TOP TIP: keep a bucket of water/sand or a garden hose nearby
For more information on how to stay safe, visit the National Fire Chiefs Council website
Thank you to everybody involved in responding to this incident.
Image 1: Image of the heath fire on Bryher in full flame on the night of the incident. Photo credit: Hillside Farm Bryher.
Image 2: Burnt area of heathland on Bryher, taken the day after the fire.