Jersey firefighters were called around 30 times after a huge plume of smoke from a wildfire in France drifted across the Island yesterday.
The 999 calls were received on Sunday afternoon after Islanders spotted thick smoke stretching across the sky, but the source turned out to be a major wildfire burning around 15 miles away in Normandy.
The blaze broke out in the Mielles area of Portbail-sur-Mer, where around 50 people were evacuated as flames spread rapidly through dry vegetation and pine trees.
Although there were no significant fires in Jersey over the weekend, firefighters still had to investigate reports from across the Island to ensure the smoke was not coming from a local blaze.
Smoke reported across the Island
Station Commander Larry Vibert explained how the calls unfolded.
“We took around 30 calls, yesterday afternoon, reporting a large amount of smoke in the area,” he said.
“For the initial calls, the ‘area’ was in different locations, running from the northeast, through the centre, and into the southwest of the island, in a diagonal line replicating the wind direction.
“Crews were deployed to all the locations and were checking the area and, of course, to the northeast of those locations. Our duty officers had information about a fire in the Port-Bail area of Normandy but, of course, needed to verify that there was no major fire in Jersey.”
He added that Jersey Coastguard and Channel Islands Air Search played an important role in ruling out a fire on the Island.
“Our thanks go to Jersey Coastguard, who were also aware of and reporting the smoke plume. We were liaising with them through the afternoon, and they proactively deployed the Channel Island Air Search to carry out overflight reconnaissance to assist in ruling out a fire here.
“We are also very grateful to Channel Island Air Search for their help.”
Across the islands…
The French wildfire came after an exceptionally busy weekend for firefighters across the Channel.
On Friday, a major gorse fire in Little Sark covered around 20,000 square metres and led to the island’s first major incident declaration in 70 years.
Nine firefighters from Guernsey were drafted in to support Sark’s Fire Service, with several firefighters injured during the operation.
Then, on Sunday evening, Guernsey crews tackled a separate wildfire on the headland at La Corbière in difficult, windy conditions.
A very real risk
Chief Fire Officer Paul Brown said the incidents showed just how quickly fires can take hold during the current spell of hot, dry weather.
“The hard work of our neighbours and colleagues in Sark and Guernsey, in dealing with fires in both islands, highlights the reality and potential of the risk of fire,” he explained.
“Some firefighters were injured in responding to the incident in Sark and we wish our colleagues in Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service a speedy recovery.”
Mr Brown also praised Jersey’s Emergency Planning Unit, which has been coordinating agencies across government, emergency services and the voluntary sector throughout the recent heatwaves.
He highlighted the support of Jersey Met, whose Fire Severity Index helps firefighters assess wildfire risk, and said protection officers had been working with organisers of outdoor events to ensure wildfire risks were built into safety planning.
“Call 999 immediately”
With hot, dry conditions continuing, the Fire and Rescue Service is urging Islanders to remain vigilant.
“We’d like to thank all Islanders for their continued vigilance and responsibility during this continued spell of very hot, dry weather,” Mr Brown said.
“Please remember, if you see fire, call 999 immediately.”
