Firefighters have tackled a small blaze at the site of a coastal wildfire on the Isle of Wight, which was reignited by smoldering peat underground. The incident occurred at Headon Warren, the same location where a wildfire had burned for five days, consuming nine hectares (22.2 acres) of heathland.
The latest fire began around midday on Tuesday and involved peat burning below the ground. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service explained that such fires can continue to smolder for extended periods when heat becomes trapped beneath the surface. Remains of a campfire were discovered by crews at the site.
The remote location, steep terrain, and proximity to a cliff edge presented significant challenges for firefighting efforts. At its peak, the original blaze required the efforts of eighty firefighters, with a helicopter deployed to assist by dropping seawater onto the flames. The flare-up serves as a reminder of the persistent dangers posed by underground fires in heathland environments.