Dartford Heath on fire for seventh time
18:05, 19 August 2022
updated: 21:15, 19 August 2022
Firefighters have once again been called to a grass fire on Dartford Heath, near Heath Lane.
Crews were sent at 4.10pm to the area, the seventh time it has caught alight in a matter of weeks.
Eight fire engines, as well as a multi-terrain vehicle and crews were working to extinguish the flames.
At 7.30pm, the eight fire engines sent to the scene had been reduced to four, still supported by the multi-terrain vehicle.
Earlier advice for residents and businesses to close windows and doors was no longer in place.
At 8.20pm a spokesman for the service said: "The grass fire is now out and crews are dampening down any remaining hot spots.
"No injuries have been reported and the cause is not yet known."
It is the seventh blaze to have broken out in the area in a month, with the dried grassland catching fire again at 4.30pm yesterday.
Firefighters spent two-and-a-half hours tackling the flames, with no injuries reported.
Last week traffic was held on the A2 after the site caught alight for the fourth time.
It comes after Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) revealed they have attended more than 400 grass fires and wildfires so far this year – in comparison to just 44 in 2021.
KFRS are urging members of the public to help reduce the risk of a grass fire by following the safety advice:
- Avoid having bonfires at this time.
- Disposing of smoking materials responsibly, making sure they’re fully stubbed out and cold before being binned – consider using a portable ashtray when on the go.
- Keep barbecues on a flat, non-flammable surface, away from property and greenery.
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