‘It’s the biggest fire that Sark has ever seen,’ Kevin Adams, Sark’s chief fire officer, said yesterday afternoon while he and his team worked to tackle the blaze.
‘This is huge. We’re talking days to put it out because it’s such a big fire.’
‘We’re fighting it from three different directions.’
Mr Adams said the whole of the Silver Mines area had been engulfed, covering land equivalent to an estimated 25-30 football pitches.
He said more than 40 people were involved in fighting the fire, including crews from both Sark and Guernsey, as well as other capable residents.
Huge plumes of smoke could be seen from Guernsey.
Watch: The fire burning on Little Sark this afternoon
The blaze broke out in the morning and spread to an area of approximately 20,000sq. m.
‘No properties are currently affected by the fire, and water jets are in position to protect those buildings if needed,’ said a joint statement from Sark Fire & Rescue Service, Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service, and Ambulance & Rescue Service Guernsey late yesterday afternoon.
Shortly after arriving in Sark, five firefighters from Guernsey were injured while travelling to assist at the scene.
‘All five have been assessed by Sark doctor and first responders as having non-life threatening injuries. Guernsey Ambulance & Rescue supported with the response, sending the Flying Christine III to Sark with a medical crew and incident officer on board. They were met at the harbour by the Sark Ambulance.’
The firefighters were transferred to hospital back in Guernsey for further treatment. Two road ambulances, a patient transfer vehicle and operational commander were waiting for them at St Peter Port harbour to transfer them to the PEH.
‘Additional firefighters have been deployed to Sark on board the Flying Christine III to maintain the emergency response,’ said the statement.
‘Guernsey Harbours workboat Sarnia is also on scene at Port Gorey, Little Sark, and is assisting with firefighting efforts from the water.
‘The Guernsey Coastguard drone unit is also deployed on scene and is providing aerial surveillance of the fire.’
Wind direction proved fortunate for the island
Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service assumed command of the fire operation, working alongside Sark Fire and Rescue Service and local volunteers, who joined in to tackle the initial blaze.
It said that the wind direction had proved fortunate for the island.
‘The current north/north easterly wind direction means that the fire is not expected to spread, as it is blowing out to sea.’
Public Health said it was monitoring the situation and advised islanders to follow official guidance and minimise smoke exposure if air quality deteriorates.
‘While the fire in Sark is primarily an environmental and emergency response incident, wildfire smoke can pose a public health risk, particularly for older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions,’ said its director, Dr Nicola Brink.
‘Anyone who feels that they are being affected by the smoke should stay indoors.’
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