FIREFIGHTERS will hand Swinley Forest to land management by tomorrow (Tuesday) after what has been described as the service's largest incident since World War II.

The blaze in the forest between Crowthorne and Bracknell is largely extinguished and fire crews could remain there until Thursday this week.

The fire, which started on Monday last week, covered 300 hectares, of which 55% was damaged by fire and forestry cleaning operations, and is the largest incident ever dealt with by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service in terms of resources and length.

Twelve fire and rescue services including Royal Berkshire, London, Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Northamptonshire and wildfire experts from Northumberland helped to battle the ferocious blaze.

Deputy chief fire officer Olaf Baars paid tribute to Thames Valley Police, Bracknell Forest Borough Council, the Forestry Commission, Crown Estate and volunteers of the Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) for their hard work.

He said: "This has been an exceptionally difficult and challenging operation. I would also like to thank members of the public in the area for their patience and understanding. Most of them took notice of our requests to stay away from the area and many local people provided sweets, cakes and biscuits for the crews, which was much appreciated.

"This is one of the largest incidents that the fire and rescue service has dealt with since World War II and I am proud of the way in which we have all responded."