Firefighters are battling a significant blaze in the sand dunes at Formby Beach this evening (August 12). Six fire engines are at the scene on Albert Road near the coastal beauty spot, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Blaze grows to 500 by 200 metres
Crews have been tackling a gorse fire since 8pm, which initially measured around 300m by 300m. In a statement, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had grown in size after being 'driven by wind'.
They said: "Firefighters continued to fight the fire in difficult conditions as the fire was being driven by wind and grew to 500 by 200 metres with multiple seats of fire in thick gorse bush and dunes."
Firefighting efforts and support
Firefighters are using beaters and extended hose reels to fight the fire, and the service drone has been requested to gain situational awareness from height. A fire engine from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is also in attendance as part of mutual cross-border support arrangements. An MFRS off-road vehicle is in attendance to access the fire from the beach side of the incident.
The statement added: "The main body of fire has now been extinguished and crews are checking for hot spots."
Witness describes early stages
One person who witnessed the fire in its early stages said: "The fire originally appeared to be burning in three or four separate areas, 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."
The witness added: "We were out only last night clearing rubbish from this whole area. Rage Against Rubbish is campaigning for greater awareness around BBQ and firework restrictions, as well as encouraging people to take their rubbish home with them."
