Four fire engines called to blaze in St Leonards

At 5.51pm on Sunday (May 31), the firefighters, alongside specialist Land Rovers were called to a fire in the open in the Combe Valley Countryside Park.

The blaze stretched across three hectares of reed beds, according to East Sussex Fire.

Firefighters used beaters and flexipacs to tackle the flames.

A spokesman for East Sussex Fire, on Monday (June 1), said the fire is believed to be accidental.

Firefighters spent hours tackling the fire before the incident was left with the park rangers.

Jay Brewerton, independent councillor for Bexhill Pebsham and St Michaels, said the 'major fire' was the fourth in the last few days that volunteers have been sent to.

She added: "We have had a major fire in the Combe Valley Park started late afternoon early evening, it unfortunately consumed a very large area of the reed beds, with flames up to ten foot high.

"It's truly sad as we have many nesting birds in the area and other wildlife too. Hastings Fire Service were in attendance and it took several firefighters to extinguish it.

"It's the fourth fire in the last few days that the volunteers have been out to. Most have started accidentally with portable BBQs in tin foil trays. Can I please remind people, if using these, do not leave them unattended or burning out."