A COUNCILLOR is urging people to take extra care after flames ripped through a park in Lymington.
Plumes of smoke were seen billowing in the sky yesterday, July 24, after a wildfire broke out on Pennington Common.
In light of the devastating blaze, Liberal Democrat town and district councillor for Pennington, Jack Davies is calling on people to exercise caution.
READ MORE: Thick clouds of smoke fill the air after wildfire breaks out
He said: “It’s horrible to see the Common on fire.
“During times like these where the ground is exceptionally dry, I urge people to please be extra careful around areas like the Common to prevent fires from happening.
"It can only take a discarded cigarette to set dry grass ablaze.
“As for how it started, it’s best not to get into a blame game until after the fire service has fully investigated the blaze
“I would like to thank the firefighters for their efforts to control the blaze and prevent it spreading further.”
The above video taken by resident Gill Hickman shows flames burning on the Common and sending thick clouds of smoke into the air.
Residents were urged to keep their windows and doors shut as firefighters tackled the blaze across two hectares of gorse.
Fire crews from different stations remained at the scene for several hours.
Luckily, the fire didn't spread.
Two caf jets, four main jets and five hose reels were used to put out the flames.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here