Around six acres of land have been damaged after a rapidly spreading fire tore through gardens and a field, threatening woodland and homes near Lyme Regis. Firefighters were called to Woodhouse Hill at around 2.19pm on Sunday (9 August) after Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service received several 999 calls reporting a garden fire which had spread to an adjoining field and fence line. The incident escalated rapidly as further emergency calls reported the flames spreading. Lyme Regis firefighters were initially mobilised before crews from Axminster were sent as the incident was increased to two pumps. Before the first crews had even arrived, further reports prompted Fire Control to increase the response to four fire engines.

Flames spread towards homes and woodland

When crews from Lyme Regis and Axminster reached the scene, they were confronted by a well-developed fire involving several residential gardens. Flames had spread into an adjoining field and were making progress towards nearby woodland and surrounding properties. The incident commander subsequently requested five fire engines and a water bowser, before the response was increased again to six pumps because of difficulties securing an adequate water supply. Crews ultimately attended from Axminster, Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Seaton, Bridport and Chard, with a water bowser from Yeovil and additional support from Honiton. Firefighters used four hose reel jets, three 45mm attack jets, six beaters, four thermal imaging cameras and a drag fork to bring the blaze under control.

Poor water pressure hampers operation

Firefighters initially attempted to draw water from a nearby hydrant, but poor pressure made maintaining sufficient supplies difficult. The arrival of the Yeovil water bowser helped establish a constant supply, allowing crews to intensify their attack on the fire. Despite challenging conditions, firefighters were able to prevent the blaze spreading further towards neighbouring homes and woodland. Crews then carried out a thorough sweep because of concerns that burning embers could ignite further fires in gardens bordering the affected field.

Two sheds destroyed

Around six acres of land were affected, while two small sheds were completely destroyed. Axminster and Lyme Regis crews remained at the scene damping down hotspots before leaving at around 7.20pm. Firefighters returned at approximately 9pm to check the area again for hotspots. The incident was confirmed fully extinguished and the remaining crews left at around 10.15pm. No injuries have been reported in the information released about the incident.  

Originally published by UKNIP.