More than £1000 raised for firefighters tackling wildfires

The fire broke out on the Isle of Wight and was tackled with the help of crews from Wiltshire.

It was extinguished on Monday 27th July after a 5 day long battle, but destroyed 60 acres of land at Headon Warren, damaging wildlife habitats and the natural environment.

Crews from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, alongside teams from other regions, battled the flames in a joint effort to contain and extinguish the fire, which is believed to have started from an abandoned campfire.

Raven Pitman, who moved from the Isle of Wight to Salisbury area in May 2022, launched a national fundraiser in response, raising more than £1,000 in just under 48 hours.

A fundraiser has been launched to support firefighters in the wake of a devastating wildfire. (Image: Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service)

The 34-year-old, who now lives in Amesbury and works at a customer service centre, said: "I wanted to send a thanks over to the fire service so I got in contact with Hampshire.

"They said they can't do any fund raising for the local fire stations however there is the firefighters charity."

The fundraiser has already gained backing from more than 50 supporters.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/page/headonwarrenthanks