Heathland fire fully out after burning for five days

A large heathland fire that burned for five days on the Isle of Wight has been fully extinguished, but people are still being urged to avoid the area.

Fire crews will remain at the scene in Headon Warren, in the West Wight, on Monday and Tuesday, to help reduce the risk of re-ignition.

About nine hectares (22.2 acres) of land, the equivalent of 12.6 football pitches, was burnt during the blaze, which saw a helicopter brought in to drop sea water on inaccessible areas and fire engines ferried over from the mainland.

Residents and visitors are being urged to continue to avoid the area while Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) remain at the scene.

Firefighters will be monitoring the site, checking for any hotspots and carrying out inspections to ensure the area remains safe.

They will also be working alongside farmers to recover equipment from the affected area.

The fire service said farmers used tractors to create fire breaks and helped crews contain the blaze.

The fire broke out around 09:00 BST Thursday.

Larry Mackrell, HIWFRS wildfire tactical advisor, previously explained the "challenging terrain, remote location and proximity to the cliff edge" made the fire even more difficult to tackle.

The National Trust said "a significant area of precious heathland" had been damaged, "affecting habitats for nest birds, invertebrates and other wildlife".

"Recovery will take time, and we'll be working to better understand the impact and support the restoration of this special landscape."

The fire service and National Trust thanked all those who supported the firefighting response.

They added the risk of wildfires remained high, as the warm and dry weather was expected to continue, and they urged people to take extra care outdoors, particularly by not lighting fires or barbecues, discarding cigarettes or leaving litter behind.