A fire that destroyed around one acre of Dane Valley Woods yesterday (August 5) is believed to have been set deliberately.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to the blaze at 4.34pm and spent three and a half hours bringing the flames under control.
A Kent Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of bushes alight in Dane Valley Road, Margate.
“Four fire engines and a utility terrain vehicle attended, and crews used main jets and wildfire equipment to extinguish the fire.
“There are no reported injuries and the cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate.”
Crews finished at the scene at 8.09pm.
Members of the Dane Valley Woods group said around one acre of the 12 acre site was affected and they will now assess further damage.
The Dane Valley Woods group said: “Thanks to the quick reporting of the fire by local residents, and the swift actions by Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), the fire was contained and extinguished. They have now left site but will return to check for any hotspots.
“We estimate that approximately one acre of our 12 acre site was affected. It was the SE section containing a large area of mainly bramble.
“Thankfully no persons were harmed, although the widespread loss of habitat is devastating for the wildlife.
“We will be assessing the damage over the next few days and will let the local community know how they can assist with restoration and recovery.
“This is a stark reminder that in the current drought conditions, wildfires can spread very quickly, and everyone should be extra vigilant and keep fingers crossed for rain.”
Ward councillor Jack Packman said the fire crews’ quick response prevented further devastation. He added: “A huge thank you to the fantastic crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service, including the team from Margate and neighbouring stations, for their swift response to the fire in Dane Valley Woods.”
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called at 5.35pm on Wednesday 5 August to reports of a fire in Margate. Officers attended and assisted Kent Fire and Rescue Service.”
Jimmy Godden’s legacy lives on!
Yes-Very much agree with-U.
exactly Mr Checksfield , with all of the bad luck that befell Mr Godden and most of thanets seafront attractions bursting into flames , no one was ever prosecuted ? ditto – ramsgate public libary and numerous public houses , the list goes on
I thought I’d clicked on 43 Fun Things to do in Thanet this Weekend. But perhaps I did. “Come and set fire to a parched field, if you can find one that’s not being built on”. The visiting feral youths would love it, and it might keep them away from Broadstairs and causing trouble there.
They kept setting fire to the pub but its gone now. They obviously didn’t have any cars to set fire to up the track or bikes to carve doughnuts into the play area. Got to feel for them, that braincell would not cope with a situation like that.
This is heartbreaking. What sort of mentality finds such an act of destruction fun? The people behind Dane Valley Woods had a vision – they didn’t see a landfill but an opportunity. Their hard work, and that of all the volunteers, has created a bio-diverse green space. It is a wonderful resource for Thanet and especially for Dane Valley residents. I am glad the firefighters were able to contain it.
You can support Dane Valley Woods by regular donations (see their website), and through Thanet Community Lotto