HIWFRS received calls to several fires in the open throughout the day Tuesday within the Farnborough and Yateley area

More than 35 firefighters from Rushmoor, Fleet, Bordon, Hartley Wintney, Yateley, Odiham and Eastleigh were mobilised to a blaze after multiple calls to a large fire in the open at Hawley Lake, Blackwater at 5.44pm

Two fires were discovered involving gorse land, the first reaching 300m x 300m and the second reaching 10m x 20m in size. The area is considered a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Crews used eight hose reel, four monitors and fire beaters to extinguish the fire.

The stop message for the Hawley Lake fire was received at 9.42pm

Both Natural England and the Police were notified and in attendance.

Meanwhile, at 6.34pm, crews from Rushmoor, Fleet, Overton, Eastleigh, Alton, Bordon and Winchester were called to a large fire involving gorse and tress nearby on Yateley Common, London Road after several calls from the public.

Crews utilised two land rovers, one hose reel and two beaters to extinguish the fire.

The 6.34pm Yateley Common fire stop message was received at 8.45pm.

This comes following a further four fires in the open within the Farnborough and Yateley area throughout the day, attended to by Rushmoor and Winchester crews.

Station Manager Pete Knight commented saying:

“We have been called to several fires in the open today within the local area. Control staff, and crews from Rushmoor and across the county have worked tirelessly throughout the day to manage calls and extinguish the fires to protect the public, wildlife and the surrounding land.”

“Crews tackling the fire at Yateley Heath could see the smoke from the Hawley Lake fire from a distance.”

“Crews at the Hawley Lake fire battled challenging conditions to bring the fire under control, and we appreciate their hard work.”

“Army personnel will continue hourly patrols throughout the night, and firefighters will attend a reinspection of the site in the early morning.”

“Please do take care whilst you continue to enjoy the countryside, please remember follow the countryside code and be considerate of others.”