Wildfire devastates 2 hectares of Abbot's Wood in Arlington

Forestry England has confirmed that a large wildfire has devastated two hectares (five acres) of mature pine woodland in Abbot's Wood, Arlington.

The blaze broke out at approximately 3:10 PM on Monday, July 20, 2026, quickly ripping through a 600-meter by 200-meter patch of gorse and trees. 

Emergency Response

An extensive deployment was managed by the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to control the spread: 

• Personnel: Eight fire appliances were sent to the scene at the height of the fire.
• Crews: Firefighters from Hailsham, Eastbourne, and Pevensey led the initial ground containment.
• Specialist Vehicles: 4x4 vehicles from Seaford and Crowborough alongside Uckfield's Dual Purpose Truck and Water Carrier were used to navigate the terrain.
• Community Aid: Local farmers assisted emergency crews by damping down low vegetation and carving out active fire breaks.
• Monitoring: A police drone was deployed overhead to monitor thermal signatures and guide crews through the thick tree cover. 

Current Status

The East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service brought the primary blaze under control late Monday evening. The incident was scaled back overnight to a few remaining engines. Firefighters remained on-site through Tuesday morning utilizing flexi-packs, jets, and water buckets to tackle persistent hot spots hidden within the wood. Authorities have previously advised the public to avoid Abbot's Wood and the surrounding Robin Post Lane area during active dampening operations. 

If you live nearby or plan on visiting the area, let me know if you would like information on:

• Current road closures or pedestrian restrictions around Arlington
• Guidelines from Forestry England regarding wildfire prevention and forest safety
• Updates on air quality and smoke warnings for neighboring villages