Two Wildfires Strike Surrey Within Hours
Surrey firefighters responded to two wildfires in quick succession, one at Whitmoor Common and another at Brentmoor Common.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has indicated that evidence points to the heath fire at Brentmoor Common being started deliberately.
The fire service reported that the blaze at Brentmoor Common, near Lightwater, covered an area approximately the size of five-and-a-half football pitches. Crews were alerted to the fire at about 02:30 BST on Tuesday.
"It is believed that this fire was started deliberately but further investigations are ongoing and we'll get a clearer picture in the future," said Area Commander Glyn Parry-Jones on BBC Radio Surrey.
A separate fire earlier the same day at Whitmoor Common, another nature reserve, was believed to have been caused by discarded glass, according to the fire service.
During the peak of the Brentmoor Common fire, six specialist wildfire units and three fire engines were deployed. Firefighters remained on site later in the day to extinguish hotspots.
"We found fuel cans at the scene and as the fire spread quickly during the night it suggested there may have been some sort of assistance - an accelerant to develop it quickly," Parry-Jones added.
Surrey Police has been contacted for further information.
Discarded Glass Suspected in Whitmoor Common Fire
The Brentmoor Common blaze followed a fire at Whitmoor Common near Guildford on Monday afternoon.
Firefighters believe the Whitmoor Common fire was caused by discarded glass concentrating sunlight onto dry vegetation.
Seven wildfire units and three fire engines were dispatched to the scene.
The fire consumed an area about the size of one-and-a-half football pitches before being brought under control, the fire service stated.
Parry-Jones noted, "Firefighters will continue checking both sites for hotspots, which can smoulder underground and reignite hours or even days later, particularly in areas containing peat."
Public Urged to Prevent Wildfires
Surrey County Council has urged the public to help prevent wildfires by avoiding barbecues, camping stoves, and open fires on heaths and commons. It also emphasized the importance of disposing of cigarettes responsibly and taking litter home.
The council advised people to avoid any activities that could spark fires and to call 999 immediately if they observe a blaze.
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Wildfire breaks out across acres of nature reserve
