Wildfire on Holy Island sparks emergency response from firefighters and RNLI
Emergency services responded to a fire on Holy Island over the weekend.
At around 9:30pm on Saturday evening, a substantial wildfire broke out near the end of the Holy Island causeway which could be seen from the mainland.
RNLI Seahouses were requested by Humber Coastguard to provide emergency transport for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) crews from Alnwick Community Fire Station who were being tasked to assist crews from Berwick Community Fire Station.
With the Holy Island Causeway impassable due to the high tide, the lifeboat was needed to provide an alternative route for the emergency crews.
Two fire appliances from Berwick attended the incident and managed to put the fire out before lifeboat volunteers were stood down.
A spokesperson for NFRS said: "Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service attended a wildfire on Holy Island on Saturday, 8 August, after receiving reports of a fire near the end of the causeway at 21:38.
“Two fire appliances from Berwick and an officer attended the incident. Crews worked to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading further, leaving the scene at 00:52."
Seahouses RNLI volunteer crew member Alex added: “As a station, we deal with a variety of shouts along our coastline.
"We are often tasked to provide support to partner agencies and emergency services, particularly on Holy Island due to the restricted access of the Causeway during tidal changes.
"While last night's shout ended without our lifeboat needing to launch, it highlights the importance of having a 24/7 volunteer lifeboat service ready to respond when other emergency services need us.”