Firefighters tackle blaze at the exclusive Wentworth golf estate

Fire crews are currently fighting a wildfire at the prestigious Wentworth golf estate.

The blaze started at nearby Chobham Common before spreading to Wentworth’s Edinburgh course.   

Wentworth regularly hosts major golf tournaments including the PGA Championship and World Match Play Championship.

It comes just days after Surrey Fire and Rescue Service tackled a blaze at the UK’s largest cemetery in Brookwood.

More than 40 firefighters, six fire engines, two water tankers and seven specialist off-road vehicles are currently tackling the fire which has spread across 25 acres after breaking out at 2pm today. <TUESDAY 3 APRIL>.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Although temperatures have cooled in the last few days the south east is still bone dry, leading to Surrey Fire Rescue Service issuing a renewed fire safety warning.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager Alan Clark said: “The lack of rain and tinder box dry conditions provide the perfect recipe for wildfires.

“Once they start they can spread quickly, making wildfires notoriously difficult to control. These fires cause devastation to the countryside, wildlife and property. They pose a risk to life, both to the public and the firefighters tackling these blazes.”

In Surrey the county council performs the role of the fire authority, and David Hodge, the council’s Leader, said: “Events like the Olympic Games and the Diamond Jubilee will provide the perfect opportunity for lighting up a barbecue this summer, but I would urge people to take care. In recent years, hundreds of acres of Surrey countryside have been burnt in wildfires.

“These blazes can start for all sorts of reasons. A discarded match, a misplaced cigarette, or even a bonfire are all it takes to spark a wildfire. A moment of carelessness could result in devastation to the countryside and lives being put at risk. Please take a moment to think about where you put that match or cigarette.”

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has invested in off-road firefighting equipment and developed new wildfire fighting tactics to keep the county safe.

ENDS

Media requiring more information should contact Jacob Leverett in Surrey Fire and Rescue’s media relations team on 0208 541 9419 or Jacob.Leverett@surreycc.gov.uk

Notes to editors

Each year there are around 79,000 wild fires in the UK – an average of 216 per day.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service is working with organisations from across the South East to raise awareness of the risk of wildfires in a bid to prevent them. These organisations include other fire and rescue services, the Ministry of Defence, the Forestry Commission, Natural England, water companies and land owners.