Fire breaks out near airport

The brigade said the fire was the size of four football pitches

Emergency crews in Jersey were called out to deal with a fire near the end of the runway at the island's airport.

It started on the headland near Val de la Mare reservoir at about 1700 on Wednesday.

About 14 firefighters tackled the fire for more than an hour before bringing it under control.

The blaze caused extensive damage to land but neither the airport nor nearby houses were affected.

'Very panicky '

People living near the scene said they were worried it might reach their homes.

One woman living nearby said: "I was very panicky because it was coming towards the house."

Another resident said: "I couldn't believe there were so many bright flames and crackling.

"And every time you heard any crackling, more flames flared up."

Jersey Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was about the size of four football pitches and the dry land allowed it to take hold very quickly.

Fire safety officer Carl Britton said: "There are lots and lots of dead rabbits.

"If they're not fast enough to get out of the way of the fire, then how fast was that spreading?"

Firefighters have been monitoring the area overnight and an investigation is to be carried out into how the incident started.