A wildfire in an ancient woodland in East Sussex is believed to have been caused by books being deliberately set alight, the fire service has stated. Emergency services were called to Abbot's Wood, near Polegate, at approximately 15:10 BST on 20 July.
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (ESFRS) reported that an area of gorse and trees measuring 1,968ft (600m) by 656ft (200m) was damaged by the blaze. At the height of the incident, eight fire appliances were at the scene tackling the fire.
Following its investigation, a spokesperson for the fire service highlighted that fires could have "serious and often unintended consequences." The fire service has recommended that parents discuss the serious risks fire can pose with young people.