Fire crews battled what they described as a "significant" gorse fire after flames spread across sand dunes in Formby. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) was called to the blaze near Albert Road this evening (Wednesday, August 12), with six fire engines sent to the scene.
Blaze spreads across dunes
Crews arrived to find the fire covering an area of around 300 metres by 300 metres. The blaze later spread to approximately 500 metres by 200 metres, with multiple pockets of fire breaking out across the dunes. Firefighters used beaters and hoses to tackle the flames, while connected hose lines were laid over a considerable distance to establish water supplies.
A witness who saw the fire in its early stages said it appeared to be burning in "three or four separate areas". He told the ECHO: "The fire originally appeared to be burning spaced apart from one another. We're at Formby Point Caravan Park, and the park owners are here checking on what’s happening. We think the fire may now be moving away from us, but it has been blazing for hours."
Difficult conditions and response
A photograph taken near Formby beach showed flames spreading across the dunes, with the witness reporting the fire was "heading over the tops of the dunes now towards the beach." MFRS later said firefighters had been dealing with difficult conditions as strong winds drove the fire through the dunes and thick gorse.
Firefighters continued to use beaters and extended hose reels, while an MFRS drone was requested to provide a better view of the incident from above. A fire engine from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service also attended to tackle the blaze, as well as an MFRS off-road vehicle.
Hot spots being checked
A spokesperson for MFRS added: "The main body of fire has now been extinguished and crews are checking for hot spots."
