I never imagined it could happen here in leafy, and normally damp, Surrey, England.
We supported the fight against the immense fires in Australia, and watched sadly as fires ravaged California, but to see this happen in my own home county has been shocking and traumatic. These pictures show Anne Brummer and I this afternoon, surveying the forest fire which is still smouldering less than a mile from my own house and studio, and the fond relics of my entire life. Today (9 Aug) we were able to begin to thank the amazing firefighters who risked their lives to contain this huge and treacherous wild furnace on the heath land of Sunningdale Golf Course – which actually adjoins my property.
Yesterday (Saturday), I was rescuing as manyere answered – the fire is under control, but the danger is not over. While this dry heatwave lasts there is still a massive risk of a flare-up leading to disaster.
Perhaps even more shocking was learning today that this wonderful force, which is alert 24 hours a day to protect us all, has become tragically under supported in recent years. Just as the Government cuts sent the NHS into battle hideously crippled by lack of funding, the same lack of vision has rendered this country vulnerable to fires – with a fire fighting service criminally cut back in ma precious things from my house as was practicable, under threat of the whole thing going up in flames, but praying that the horror would not happen. Today my prayers wnpower and resources. Something has gone terribly wrong with our leaders’ decision-making process. As long as we prioritise short-term economic gains over the lives of our people and the welfare of those who protects us, we will be a nation continually in danger. It becomes more and more clear that a radical rethink is needed.
THANK YOU, firefighters of Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire, and the maintenance team of Sunningdale Golf – for saving all our skins. And thanks Callum and Emily, George, and the nice man from Barcelona for giving us a backstage tour today. Incredible.
Stereo views showing the still smoking edges of the huge area of destruction.
Parallel:
Cross-eyed:
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Later:
SURREY BUSH FIRE. This video captured by our friend Callum Strachan from the Sunningdale Golf Club shows what it was like to be close to just one small corner of the raging fire on the heathland on Saturday. All respects to the firefighters and volunteers who helped them overpower the conflagration, and save many a wild animal and an untold number of homes.
Brian May shares: Surrey Heath Bush Fire by Callum Strachan 8 Aug 2020
– https://youtu.be/7zLVAvM28wo
Bri
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