A LARGE fire broke out in more than an acre of woodland in Ascot this afternoon. 

Around 30 firefighters tackled the blaze at Englemere Pond which began at around 1.30pm on April 10. 

A spokesman for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue said: "We were called at 1.34pm and on arrival, we found about one acre of undergrowth and pine trees involved in the fire." 

He added crews from Wokingham, Wokingham Road, Whitley Wood, Ascot and Windsor attended the incident. 

Two specialist off-road vehicles from Maidenhead Fire Station were also mobilised.

The firefighters used two main jets and beaters to extinguish the fire. The stop message was received at 3.28pm.

Crew manager Scott Pay, from Bracknell Fire Station, said: "It was a fairly big fire, it started off fairly small but then the wind picked up a bit and made it worse. 

"After the pumps got it under control we had to damp down the area to make sure that it didn't spread." 

The site has now been handed over to the owners and Bracknell Forest Council who manage the land.

They will be checking the area regularly to ensure that the fire doesn’t restart.

Station manager Nev Griffiths said: “It’s been very hot and dry recently, and it’s not thought that the fire started deliberately.”

“The fire generated a lot of smoke in the area, as the wind had picked up and caused it to spread. The crews did a good job in getting the situation under control.”

“If you do see a fire in the countryside, please report it to us by calling 999 as soon as possible.

"Also, please be mindful of where you choose to set up campfires and barbecues, and make sure any cigarettes are fully extinguished before you dispose of them.”

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