Probe into gigantic February fire continues

Firefighters attempted to surround the blaze. Picture: West Sussex FRS

Investigations are still ongoing after a fire ripped through swathes of heathland near Midhurst.

A blaze at Iping Common on February 28 that grew 22-times the size of London’s Trafalgar Square is still being looked into.

Click here to read our story about the breaking incident.

David Saunders, director of land management for Sussex Wildlife Trust, said: “Sussex Wildlife Trust wish to publicly commend the efforts of the fire service and thank them for their assistance.

“We would also like to apologise for any distress or concern caused to members of the local community and visitors to the reserve, some of whom have let us know how upset they are by the drastic change of scenery.”

The common is one of 32 nature reserves managed by the trust.

Despite the efforts of staff and volunteers using fire beaters, the fire on the last day of February was not contained by the beaters or the internal fire breaks that were in place.

After decicated efforts the fire was put out later that day.