Latest news with #StormIsha
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Arson arrest following fire at historic airfield
A person has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire engulfed a Grade II* listed World War One hangar. The blaze broke out in Hangar 3 of the Old Sarum Airfield in Wiltshire on 17 April, burning the historic structure to the ground and destroying an adjacent cafe. The inferno came just a week after developers were given the go-ahead to build up to 315 homes on the site following a long battle for permission. Wiltshire Police said the suspect, whose age has not been revealed, has been released on bail while investigations continue. The airfield lies within the setting of a Scheduled Monument, which means it is recognised as a nationally important archaeological site by the government. The airfield operators had been told to make repairs to Hangar 3 - which partially collapsed when Storm Isha struck in January 2024 - as a condition of planning approval. Witnesses at the time told the BBC how roaring flames and billowing plumes of black smoke could be spotted from miles away. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service warned those living nearby to stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut due to the risk of "unknown chemicals". Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Large blaze breaks out at World War One airfield Fresh appeal for footage of large fire at airfield Protecting airfield is about 'protecting heritage' Fire investigators to continue work at airfield Wiltshire Police
BBC News
06-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Old Sarum: Cafe which 'burned to ashes' reopens in mobile van
A cafe which "burned to ashes" in a large fire that destroyed a World War One aircraft hangar has reopened in a mobile van. The team at Hangar 3, based at Old Sarum Airfield near Salisbury, Wiltshire, lost everything in the blaze and have relied on donations from members of the community to get the business up and running again. Justine Scott, the cafe manager, said: "You just have to pick yourself up, stick together as a team and do what you can and get the community involved.'Wiltshire Police is still investigating the cause of the fire that broke out at the Grade II listed site on 17 April. Anybody with footage or information is asked to contact the force. The airfield is home to several organisations, with one hangar housing the Boscombe Down Aviation fire broke out a week after plans to build 315 homes were given the go-ahead after a planning battle. Plans also included restoring the World War One era hangar three that was extensively damaged by Storm Isha last year. Following the incident, the Hangar 3 cafe team put out an appeal on social media for kitchen supplies and equipment to help them to start again. "People came up with so many things... it's been an absolute lifesaver," Ms Scott said. Alex Moldoveanu, the cafe's head chef, said it has been "really tough" but the team is now doing "quite well" in the mobile van."We're going to be reborn,' he said. "[The community] helped us a lot, so we want to give back as much as possible.'
Telegraph
18-04-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Asbestos warning in WW1 airfield fire
Firefighters battled a major blaze at a historic First World War airfield overnight. Residents near the Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury, Wiltshire, were warned to stay indoors because it was feared that there was asbestos in the smoke. Crews were called at 6.38pm on Thursday after a fire broke out at Grade II-listed Hangar 3 – one of several buildings at the site. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: 'Due to the potential for unknown chemicals, please stay inside and keep your windows closed to avoid the smoke.' By 8.30pm, the building had partially collapsed and the flames had spread to an adjacent structure. No casualties have been reported. The service added at 10pm: 'A further relief crew have been brought in from Amesbury and firefighters are continuing to tackle the blaze which is affecting two partially derelict buildings. 'They are using ground monitors and an aerial ladder platform to extinguish. 'Due to the age of the building, we suspect the smoke plume may contain asbestos but investigations are ongoing.' Multiple crews from Amesbury, Salisbury, Ludgershall, Andover and Ringwood attended the scene. The blaze comes just a week after plans to build up to 315 homes on the site were approved following a lengthy planning dispute. The airfield, which is located within a scheduled monument, is recognised by the Government as a nationally important archaeological site. Planning approval had included a requirement for the airfield operators to repair Hangar 3, which suffered structural damage during Storm Isha in January. In its decision, the Planning Inspectorate said the heritage benefits of the scheme 'outweighed' the potential harm. Hangar 3 is one of seven at the Old Sarum site, which initially served as a training depot station for day bombing raids during the First World War. By 1919, it was also home to the School of Army Co-Operation. 'Don't cross safety cordons' Wiltshire Police, who are assisting at the scene, warned the public not to cross safety cordons. A spokesman said: 'Several people have been obstructing emergency workers in an attempt to take photos of the burning building. 'Please avoid the area and respect cordons – they are in place to protect you.' Officers are urging anyone who was in the area between 6pm and 6.30pm to contact 101, quoting log 262 of 17 April, as inquiries into the cause of the fire continue.
The Independent
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Game Of Thrones Dark Hedges trees ‘coming to end of natural lives'
The iconic Dark Hedges tree tunnel in Northern Ireland, famed for its appearance in the hit series Game of Thrones, faces an uncertain future as the trees reach the end of their lifespan. Management of the County Antrim landmark has been transferred to the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) amidst growing concerns about the site's preservation. The CCGHT takes the reins from the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust, inheriting the complex challenge of balancing the site's popularity with its delicate ecosystem. Recent storms, including Storm Isha and Storm Eowyn, have taken their toll, claiming 13 trees since November 2023 and further weakening the aging beeches. The Dark Hedges' starring role in Game of Thrones transformed the once-quiet road into a global tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to experience the mystical atmosphere firsthand. This influx of tourists, while boosting the local economy, has also placed a strain on the environment and surrounding community. The CCGHT has outlined a comprehensive plan for the future of the Dark Hedges, encompassing several key areas. The trust will prioritise the management and maintenance of the remaining trees, ensuring visitor safety and accessibility, while also mitigating the impact on local residents. Crucially, the trust will also explore how to harness the site's popularity for sustainable socio-economic benefit. The future of the Dark Hedges remains uncertain, but the CCGHT is committed to finding a path that preserves its magic for generations to come. The work will begin with a new management plan for the trees as part of an overall 'Dark Hedges Masterplan'. CCGHT chief executive Graham Thompson said it was a 'new era' for the Dark Hedges. He said: 'The Dark Hedges is a breathtaking local gem. 'It understandably attracts a very large number of visitors each year including fans of the Game Of Thrones TV show. 'However, the popularity of the site alongside the delicate nature of these now very mature trees will need a considered approach to protect their natural beauty. 'After all, the trees are now approaching the 250th anniversary of their planting. 'We'll work with our partners on a new masterplan and release this roadmap to give reassurance that the site is being managed the best way we possibly can. 'We take on this work with open eyes and a clear understanding that the trees are coming to the end of their natural lives. 'Let's all work together to make sure that this very special place stays that way as long as we possibly can.' Previous work at the site has included replanting, interpretative signage and tree management with a tree surgeon and arborist as well as online promotion of the site. Children from local schools will plant young saplings grown from Dark Hedges seed stock as a first step towards the long-term regeneration of the site on Tuesday. Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Mervyn Storey represents the Heritage Trust on the new management forum. He said: 'Everyone knows the importance of the Dark Hedges as a tourist attraction in our area. 'We are now in a position where we can work together to improve the management of the site and work towards increasing its longevity. 'We welcome the leadership of the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and the initial support from our council and National Lottery Heritage. 'It's now time for other stakeholders – Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland, DFI Roads and others – to step up to the plate.'
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tourist attraction made famous by Game Of Thrones ‘coming to end of natural lives'
The iconic Dark Hedges tree tunnel in Northern Ireland, famed for its appearance in the hit series Game of Thrones, faces an uncertain future as the trees reach the end of their lifespan. Management of the County Antrim landmark has been transferred to the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) amidst growing concerns about the site's preservation. The CCGHT takes the reins from the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust, inheriting the complex challenge of balancing the site's popularity with its delicate ecosystem. Recent storms, including Storm Isha and Storm Eowyn, have taken their toll, claiming 13 trees since November 2023 and further weakening the aging beeches. The Dark Hedges' starring role in Game of Thrones transformed the once-quiet road into a global tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to experience the mystical atmosphere firsthand. This influx of tourists, while boosting the local economy, has also placed a strain on the environment and surrounding community. The CCGHT has outlined a comprehensive plan for the future of the Dark Hedges, encompassing several key areas. The trust will prioritize the management and maintenance of the remaining trees, ensuring visitor safety and accessibility, while also mitigating the impact on local residents. Crucially, the trust will also explore how to harness the site's popularity for sustainable socio-economic benefit. The future of the Dark Hedges remains uncertain, but the CCGHT is committed to finding a path that preserves its magic for generations to come. The work will begin with a new management plan for the trees as part of an overall 'Dark Hedges Masterplan'. CCGHT chief executive Graham Thompson said it was a 'new era' for the Dark Hedges. He said: 'The Dark Hedges is a breathtaking local gem. 'It understandably attracts a very large number of visitors each year including fans of the Game Of Thrones TV show. 'However, the popularity of the site alongside the delicate nature of these now very mature trees will need a considered approach to protect their natural beauty. 'After all, the trees are now approaching the 250th anniversary of their planting. 'We'll work with our partners on a new masterplan and release this roadmap to give reassurance that the site is being managed the best way we possibly can. 'We take on this work with open eyes and a clear understanding that the trees are coming to the end of their natural lives. 'Let's all work together to make sure that this very special place stays that way as long as we possibly can.' Previous work at the site has included replanting, interpretative signage and tree management with a tree surgeon and arborist as well as online promotion of the site. Children from local schools will plant young saplings grown from Dark Hedges seed stock as a first step towards the long-term regeneration of the site on Tuesday. Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Mervyn Storey represents the Heritage Trust on the new management forum. He said: 'Everyone knows the importance of the Dark Hedges as a tourist attraction in our area. 'We are now in a position where we can work together to improve the management of the site and work towards increasing its longevity. 'We welcome the leadership of the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and the initial support from our council and National Lottery Heritage. 'It's now time for other stakeholders – Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland, DFI Roads and others – to step up to the plate.'
