Major fire near Horsham started deliberately

A major blaze which broke out near Horsham is believed to have been started deliberately.
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The fire service said Sussex Police have been informed after crews revealed a large fire in a field off the A264 at Highwood is believed to be of deliberate ignition.

A spokesman said: “Joint Fire Control received more than 40 999 calls to reports of a large field fire off the A264 at Highwood in Horsham near the junction with the A24 at 4.25pm on Tuesday, August 11.

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“Fire engines from Horsham, Crawley and Burgess Hill were mobilised to the scene, along with a number of off-road vehicles and the water carrier from Burgess Hill.”

Horsham field fire near the A264 SUS-201108-182235001Horsham field fire near the A264 SUS-201108-182235001
Horsham field fire near the A264 SUS-201108-182235001

Firefighters used eight hose reels and beaters to extinguish the fire, which had spread to between ten and 20 acres of grassland, he added.

The spokesman said: “Due to the amount of smoke coming from this incident, and its prominent location, residents living nearby were urged to keep their doors and windows closed while the fire was extinguished.

“The fire was extinguished by 7.20pm, with officers returning to reinspect at midnight and 6am this morning, though no further firefighting action was required.”

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But the fire service is now urging to be careful when out and about due to ‘exceptionally dry ground’.

The spokesman added: “With further dry weather forecast this morning, we would urge all residents to take extra care.”