Surrey Commons Blazes: Arson and Accidental Fires Spark Warning
Devastation at Brentmoor and Whitmoor Commons
Our beloved Surrey commons are facing an unprecedented threat this season, leaving local residents and nature enthusiasts deeply shaken. Two major wildfires have recently ravaged our local green spaces: one at Whitmoor Common, just north of Guildford, and another, more devastating blaze at Brentmoor Common near Lightwater. For generations, these heathlands have served as the green lungs of our community, offering peaceful walking trails for dog owners, vital habitats for rare ground-nesting birds, and a natural escape for families. The fire at Brentmoor Common was particularly shocking, scorching an area equivalent to five and a half football pitches. Firefighters from the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service battled through the early hours of Tuesday morning, deploying six specialist wildfire units and three fire engines. The sheer scale of the damage has left the Lightwater community mourning the loss of precious flora and fauna. Meanwhile, the incident at Whitmoor Common, which destroyed an area the size of one and a half football pitches, has highlighted just how fragile our dry landscapes are during these warm spells. Both sites require ongoing monitoring by fire crews to prevent underground peat fires from reigniting.
Arson Confirmed and Local Businesses On High Alert
The investigation into these blazes has taken a sinister turn, with emergency services confirming that the Brentmoor Common fire was started deliberately. Area Commander Glyn Parry-Jones revealed that fuel cans were discovered at the scene, suggesting an accelerant was used to spread the flames rapidly. This reckless act of arson has sparked outrage among local residents and business owners alike. It is not just hikers who must remain vigilant; local tradespeople are also stepping up to protect our neighbourhoods. For example, Guilford builders working on residential projects, such as a modern loft conversion or an extensive loft rebuilding nearby, are reviewing their on-site safety measures. During any standard loft refurbishment, the use of hot tools and the accumulation of dry timber waste present a potential fire hazard. Local contractors are being urged to secure their skips and safely store building materials to prevent opportunistic arsonists from accessing them. This collaborative effort between our emergency services, local businesses, and tradespeople is vital to ensuring that no further sparks are introduced to our highly vulnerable Surrey landscape during this dry period.
How Residents Can Protect Our Green Spaces
While Surrey Police continue their investigation into the deliberate arson at Brentmoor, the fire at Whitmoor Common serves as a stark reminder of accidental dangers. Firefighters believe that blaze was ignited by discarded glass focusing the sun’s rays onto dry vegetation. This simple, careless act has prompted Surrey County Council to issue an urgent plea to all residents. We must take collective responsibility for our environment. Local families and visitors are urged to avoid using barbecues, camping stoves, or lighting open fires on any of our heaths and commons. Litter must be taken home, and glass bottles should never be left behind in the sun. Additionally, smokers must dispose of their cigarettes with extreme care. What should you watch for next? Keep an eye out for suspicious activity around our nature reserves and report anything unusual to the police. If you spot even the smallest plume of smoke on the horizon, do not hesitate—call 999 immediately. By staying alert and looking out for our communal spaces, we can prevent further devastation and preserve Surrey’s beautiful countryside for generations to come.
Source: One of Surrey wildfires ‘started deliberately’, fire service says
