Furze fire threatens homes

Friday 11th September 2009, 3:00PM BST.

This house, Mont Huelin, at the foot of the hill, was under threat

FIFTEEN homes were evacuated yesterday as one of the fiercest furze fires of the year raged at L’Etacq.

Firefighters worked for hours to save the houses as strong winds fanned flames leaping 20 feet into the air.

It was the third time this year that furze fires have left the area in the north-west of St Ouen scorched. It is not yet known how the fire started.

The alarm was raised just before 3 pm, when flames started spreading along the headland.
Within minutes, the decision was taken to evacuate 15 homes around the Mont Huelin, Mont Vibert and Route d L’Etacq area.

The L’Etacq residents were finally allowed back to their homes at 7 pm last night. Fire crews were at the scene all night damping down and were remaining there today.

• Full report in Friday’s Jersey Evening Post

• Pictures: David Ferguson and Tony Pike

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