Crews at forest fire overnight

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service have spent much of Sunday fighting a fire in the Ashdown Forest near Crowborough. The alert first came at 1.45pm on Sunday afternoon. At its height more than 70 firefighters tackled the blaze in the Kings Standing area which is about 28 hectares. Sixteen fire engines including appliances from West Sussex Fire & Rescue, and six Land Rover pumps were called upon. Sussex Police also helped deal with the incident, with the police helicopter being used to help the fire services see the picture from the sky.

It is not believed that anyone was injured in the incident. However the Ambulance Service was at the scene as a precaution. Sussex Police motorcyclists and Ashdown Forest Rangers patrolled the area and roads were closed as a safety measure.

While the fire was declared surrounded at 5.10pm and was under control by 7pm, the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Services said crews would remain at the scene over night to monitor the situation. Investigations into the cause of the fire are expected to continue on Monday morning.