Large heathland fire quadruples in size within hours

About 80 firefighters are battling a large heathland blaze on the Isle of Wight.

A gorse fire was first reported at Headon Warren, in the West Wight, just after 09:00 BST on Thursday, and is now affecting an area of about 1,000m by 800m (3,300 ft by 2,600 ft).

By Thursday evening, the service said 80 firefighters were working to extinguish the blaze - which had almost quadrupled in size since the morning and is on National Trust property.

At least 14 fire engines are at the scene - including some from the mainland. Local farmers were also assisting by using tractors to create fire breaks and help crews contain the fire, the service said. The public has been told to stay away.

Fire crews are expected to be working through the night and into Friday.

Smoke from the fire has been visible on the mainland on England's south coast.

Wightlink, which runs ferry services between England's south coast and the Isle of Wight, said it was also assisting the fire service by transporting fire engines from the mainland - which had led to some delays for passengers.

Local teams from Newport, Cowes, Ventnor, Freshwater, Shanklin, East Cowes, Ryde and Sandown are all in attendance.

They are joined by crews from Southsea, Lymington, Emsworth, Portchester, St Mary's, Hardley, Havant and Hightown.

Wightlink said it had "transported nine fire engines via our Portsmouth route and one via Lymington".

"We have at times held and therefore delayed service to ensure the emergency services can reach their destinations as fast as possible."

They thanks passengers for their "patience and understanding while this emergency is being dealt with".

Headon Warren is owned and run by the National Trust, which said it was supporting the fire service with its response.

"With the countryside currently so dry and the risk of fire exceptional, it only takes a single spark to start a devastating fire," a spokesperson for the conservation charity said.

They added: "Fires can destroy decades of conservation work in a matter of hours and put people, wildlife and emergency responders at risk.

"We'd like to thank the fire crews for their swift response and ask everyone to avoid the area while emergency services are at work."

The fire service said crews were using "a range of firefighting tactics", including water jets, hose lines and specialist vehicles, to bring the fire under control.

Members of the public should avoid the area while attempts to extinguish the fire are ongoing, and to close windows and doors if they notice smoke.

A number of fire engines have also been brought across the Solent from Hampshire to provide cover for any further incidents on the island.