Fire service 'not investigating' large gorse blaze
A blaze that ripped through gorse on a common is not being investigated, the fire service has confirmed.
Firefighters raced to Browndown Common in Gosport shortly after 7pm on Sunday.
Large plumes of smoke prompted several 999 calls from residents.
Two separate fires were identified, with the first measuring approximately 80 by 30 metres, and the second around 100 by 30 metres.
Crews from Gosport, Fareham, Cosham, Eastleigh, and Hightown attended and remained on the scene for more than three hours.
The fire as seen from Ryde on the Isle of Wight (Image: IsleofWight.com) But the following day, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the blaze will not be investigated.
Commenting on the Daily Echo Facebook post on the night of the fire, Mia Cameron-Dungey said: "Hopefully the fire is now out.
"So scary as it is so early in the year for a fire like that."
Linda Moore added: "Such a shame, the gorse was lovely this year and the wildlife will have been affected."
People would told to steer clear of the area to allow access for emergency services.
Ted Hart said: "Well done fire brigade for putting it out."
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Shortly after 10pm on Sunday, the fire, which had spread across an area of approximately 180 by 60 metres, was fully extinguished.
It was brought under control using three hose reel jets, two main jets, two light rescue pumps, and four beaters.
A Land Rover was also used to help tackle the fire.
Both areas of fire were eventually brought under control and crews worked to prevent any further spread.
Speaking on Sunday, a spokesperson for the fire service said: "The gorse fire, covering an area of approximately 180 by 60 metres, has now been fully extinguished.
"Firefighters used three hose reel jets, two main jets, two light rescue pumps, and four beaters to bring the blaze under control.
"A reinspection will take place tomorrow morning to check for any remaining hotspots and ensure the area is safe."
This blaze comes less than two weeks' after a fire ripped through gorse and standing crop in Calshot.
The fire affected an area of 600 metres to 200 metres overall.
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