The ancient West Blean Wood near Herne Bay suffered a disastrous wildfire on Tuesday when a blaze suddenly erupted, threatening to consume the protected habitat. The incident, first reported at the peak of the midday sun at 12:37 PM, triggered a major emergency response from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS).
Four fire engines raced to the scene, joined by specialized equipment designed to battle blazes in challenging terrain. Firefighters, armed with drag rakes, fought a desperate six-hour battle against the advancing flames. KFRS utilized a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) to navigate the dense woodland and deployed an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) to gain a vital bird’s-eye view of the fast-moving inferno, directing crews to the most critical hot spots.
The heroic efforts of the crews averted a disaster, finally bringing the devastating incident under control and extinguishing the last embers by 6:21 PM.
In a relief to the community and conservationists, KFRS confirmed there were no reported injuries as a result of the terrifying blaze. However, the shadow of uncertainty remains, as the cause of the wildfire is not yet known, leaving investigators with the task of determining what sparked the devastating emergency in the heart of the Kent countryside.