A LARGE wildfire has broken out on marshland close to Parkgate in Wirral.

Stunned onlookers have been posting pictures and videos of the rapidly developing blaze.

The picturesque seafront at Parkgate is popular with walkers and day trippers with many there today enjoying the good weather.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Serice have given the address of the incident as The Anchorage, Neston.

A spokesperson said: "Firefighters are tackling a blaze involving around 500 square metres of marshland. Four fire engines from Cheshire and two from Merseyside are at the scene. Crews are using beaters and hose reel jets to fight the fire.

 

Wirral Globe:

The picture from the West Vale area of Neston was shared by Dave Williams

"There are two areas of fire spreading around the marshland. Fire breaks have been put in place to protect nearby properties. Two main jets and hose reels are in use. Police have been advised as it is suspected that the fire has been started deliberately. A fire investigator will also attend.

An update from the fire service at 9.17pm said: "Firefighters are continuing to tackle the fire. Relief crews will be taking over at the scene overnight. Holyhead coastguard is also monitoring the incident.

"Crews are maintaining fire breaks in two areas. Two main jets and one light portable pump are in use. The fire on the marshland is being left to burn because of unstable ground."

Wirral Globe:

The fire can be seent from Flintshire - image Charlie Partington

"One fire engine from Powey Lane, one from Ellesmere Port, two from Chester and two from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance."

Station Manager Carl Nevitt is the officer in charge of the incident. He said: "The marshland is a site of special scientific interest. The fire is covering around one square kilometre of the area and is being driven by wind. We have created fire breaks to protect properties and the police air support unit has been used to give us information on the directional spread of the blaze. We expect to remain at the scene for at least the next three to four hours."

PhIl Hughes, who lives on Parkgate front, told the Globe: “I think it’s horrendous. It’s a shame, there’s wildlife in there that has started to nest and things like that. I just hope it can be saved.

“It’s been blazing for a few hours.

“We’re okay here. It’s the firefighters and fire marshals out there putting themselves at risk, and they can’t see properly because it’s dark and the wind direction changes.

“It’s just horrendous for them. I admire them for keeping us safe. The police are doing a great job too.”