Fire at Brierley Forest Park was arson, fire service says

A large woodland fire described by fire crews as “senseless” and “heartbreaking” is thought to have been started deliberately.

Fire crews and wildlife specialists were called out to Brierley Forest Park, in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, during the early hours.

Firefighters said an area of forest, undergrowth and woodland had been damaged and the fire was thought to have been started deliberately.

“A beautiful forest has been damaged,” it added. Wildlife habitat has been destroyed.”

It said on a social media post: “This is not just senseless – it’s heartbreaking.

“A beautiful forest has been damaged. Wildlife habitat has been destroyed.

“And the cost, both environmental and financial, is huge.”

The fire service urged anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or have any idea who might be responsible to contact police.

The park – on the site of Sutton Colliery, which closed in 1989 – was created in 1992.