Peartree Green fire: What we know after the fire in Southampton

Flames ripped through Peartree Green late on Friday afternoon.

The blaze destroyed grass, trees and killed wildlife, leaving only charred remains.

Below is what we know so far following the incident.

What happened? 

Fire crews were called to Sea Road at around 4.47pm on Friday.

Photos of a fire at Peartree Nature Reserve by Sherin Sullivan

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service said it received a total of 54 calls about the blaze.

READ MORE: IN PHOTOS: Fire breaks out in Southampton

Firefighters from St Mary's, Lyndhurst, Hightown, Eastleigh, Romsey, Gosport, Hardley, Beaulieu and Southsea raced to the scene.

Resident, Amanda Shane said: "I live round the corner and I used to walk my dogs here. 

"I can't believe this has happened, I've never seen a fire like this."

Crews remained at the scene until 9pm last night and liaised with National Rail officers due to the fire’s proximity to the train line.

What was destroyed?

According to the fire service, 300m by 300m of open land was destroyed.

The fire seen from the Itchen Bridge

Sadly, dead animals were spotted as a result of the fire.

Residents told our reporter - who was on the scene last night - that they have never had anything like this before. 

🚒 Firefighters have now left the scene of the large fire on Peartree Green in Southampton.

One fire engine will return in the morning to conduct a reinspection, checking for any remaining hotspots. pic.twitter.com/pJhVz4i3G5

— Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (@HantsIOW_fire) August 12, 2022

As seen by pictures taken by our reporter and by those sent to us, wildlife has been destroyed and its inhabitants killed.

The scene has been likened to the scene of a wildfire in Australia. 

The cause of the fire

So far the cause of the fire has not been ascertained.

The fire at Peartree Green as seen from above

At this stage, it is believed to have been caused by the high temperatures but the fire service is unable to confirm this. 

No injuries have been reported. 

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