Firefighters extinguish damaging Alver Valley blaze

By Connor Steel

HAMPSHIRE FIRE & RESCUE have announced they have fully extinguished a “large fire” within Alver Valley Country Park that occurred early on Sunday evening (July 19); which resulted in significant damage to a vast area of land and caused concerns for many local residents through the evening as the warm weather continues to dominate the region.

Crews from Gosport, Fareham, Waterlooville and Havant were sent to the scene at approximately 6pm yesterday with the fire service’s control room receiving more than 20 emergency calls in the early stage. The incident command team from Headquarters were mobilised to help, and SCAS Paramedics attended to treat an individual for smoke inhalation.

They used Land Rovers, jets, beaters and knapsack pumps to surround the blaze with firefighters exiting the scene at around 9pm after successfully putting it out. One firefighting crew further returned to this scene this morning (Monday) to conduct a thorough inspection of the area, checking for remaining hotspots and cutting risks of a potential reignition.

Sadly, the blaze has left lasting damage to the local countryside and its wildlife with firefighters finding two slow worms amongst the ‘charred grass’; as well as coming across a deer enjoying what was left of its habitat. The force have also reminded residents of the greater risks for wildfires during warm and dry weather seen this year with details on the link.

PICTURED BY HAMPSHIRE FIRE & RESCUE: Firefighter walks on charred grass in inspection for ‘hotspots’ after fire.