Firefighters tackle blaze on Alderney headland

A lightning strike is believed to have caused a fire on the hillside beneath Fort Tourgis in Alderney.

Residents spotted smoke near the derelict States-owned building, by Clonque beach, around 2pm on Tuesday afternoon (19 July).

Emergency services were at the scene within 10 minutes of receiving the call.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Gaudion said the fire was made worse by tinder dry gorse undergrowth and high temperatures.

He added that strong south westerly winds carried the fire across the headlands.