Firefighters at heathland fire scene for third day

Firefighters have worked overnight at the scene of a large heathland blaze on the Isle of Wight, as crews remain at the scene for a third day.

Six crews from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) are monitoring hot spots and using jets to tackle any flare-ups at the gorse fire at Headon Warren, in the West Wight, which was first reported shortly after 09:00 BST on Thursday.

It has burnt through 25 hectares (62 acres) of woodland and the fire service has asked the public to continue to avoid the area.

The National Trust, which owns the land, said the fire was "under control" but has significantly impacted the landscape, which will take time to recover.

The fire service has not yet been able to confirm the cause of the fire.

Wildfire tactical advisor Larry Mackrell had said the operation was made more difficult by the challenging terrain, the remote location and its proximity to the cliff edge.

On Friday, a helicopter was brought in to water-drop inaccessible areas and additional fire appliances and support have been ferried to the island from the mainland throughout the incident.

HIWFRS said Avon Fire and Rescue Service operated a high volume pump that has been used to extract water from the sea to be used by crews.

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Wightlink, which runs ferry services between Portsmouth and Lymington and the Isle of Wight, said it had assisted the fire service by transporting fire engines, which led to some delays for passengers.

The fire service said local farmers had assisted crews by using tractors to create fire breaks and helped them contain the fire.

It thanked the community and all the organisations that have provided assistance.

A National Trust spokesperson said they were pleased the wildfire was now under control, with firefighters continuing to make progress extinguishing remaining hotspots and smouldering ground.

The conservation charity expressed its "heartfelt thanks" to the fire service, the helicopter crew, firefighters and support teams who had worked tirelessly throughout what it described as a complex and lengthy incident.

It also thanked tenants, local organisations, landowners, neighbouring farmers, its staff and the many people who had helped support the response in recent days.

Earlier, it had warned that warm, dry conditions meant the risk of wildfire remained exceptionally high.

The Isle of Wight Council issued a public safety notice on social media on Friday, announcing the closure of all public rights of way leading to and crossing Headon Warren from Alum Bay Road (Old and New), Headon Rise and Cliff Road.

The council said the restrictions had been put in place under an Emergency Temporary Traffic Regulation Order to protect the public and enable emergency services to carry out their work safely.

The closures will remain in force until emergency crews have finished their operations, the authority added.