Large Wildfire Rips Through Abbots Wood, Forcing Major Firefighting Operation

Overview

• Fire crews from multiple East Sussex stations mounted a rapid response after a large wildfire broke out in Abbots Wood, with specialist vehicles and water carriers sent to the scene.
• Crews found a substantial area of gorse and trees burning and used a High Volume Pump to draw and deliver water to the fire ground while a police drone assessed the extent of the blaze.
• Local police, Forestry England representatives and nearby farmers worked alongside firefighters to damp down fire breaks and stop the flames spreading into surrounding areas.
• Forestry England has confirmed about two hectares of mature pine woodland were damaged and crews remained on site damping hot spots as the full impact was still being assessed.
• Residents were urged to avoid Abbots Wood and Robin Post Lane while operations continued, and authorities warned recovery and habitat assessments will follow once the site is fully secured.