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Big blaze at Fontaine Vinery leaves charred scrubland

Scrub land at the Fontaine Vinery has been left charred after a large fire encompassed the area on Tuesday evening.

The scene at the Fontaine Vinery following yesterday’s fire. Firefighters rushed to the disused vinery area and found an area of scrub land behind the storage yard well alight.
The scene at the Fontaine Vinery following yesterday’s fire. Firefighters rushed to the disused vinery area and found an area of scrub land behind the storage yard well alight. / Sophie Rabey/Guernsey Press

Firefighters remained at the site overnight dampening down hot spots, as due to the wind, there was risk of reignition.

Fire crews were called to the area just after 5pm on Tuesday after large amounts of smoke were spotted by members of the public.

A 60m by 60m area of the old vinery was alight and nearby residents said they heard popping and banging noises coming from the site.

The fire was under control by 7pm and extinguished shortly after.

Firefighters remained at the site overnight dampening down hot spots, as due to the wind, there was risk of reignition.
Firefighters remained at the site overnight dampening down hot spots, as due to the wind, there was risk of reignition. / Picture by Tony Rive

The Guernsey Ports drone was launched by voluntary pilots as fire crews worked, assisting with aerial footage to look for fire spread and hotspots. One water tanker remained at the scene until late at night.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and investigations will continue once conditions allow.

The Fire Service declined to comment yesterday until it had established more about how the fire started.

It is currently running its summer campaign reminding islanders to consider the conditions before starting a bonfire or burning garden waste, as dry grass, hedges and vegetation can allow flames and sparks to spread quickly out of control.

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