'Very close call' as fire nearly hits Jersey Water plant
Firefighters tackle flames which were near to Jersey Water's desalination plant in Corbiere.
A large fire came "dangerously close" to a desalination plant, water bosses have said.
Jersey Water said the incident which was tackled by the island's firefighters in a nearby field in Corbiere on Monday highlighted the stark risks posed by wildfires in the current dry conditions.
It said if the plant, which turns sea water into drinking water, had been damaged, Jersey would have lost "critical resilience" to the island's water supply during prolonged periods of dry weather.
The utility company said it was "extremely grateful" to Jersey Fire Service, its own staff and the public for acting quickly to protect the plant.
Jersey Fire Service said 18 firefighters went to the scene after a bonfire lit in a dry field was spread by strong winds.
It issued a warning against people lighting fires in the open as conditions across the island remained "very dry".
Jersey Water echoed the fire service's warning and said people should take extra care and avoid activities which could start a fire.
"This incident was certainly a very close call and a stark reminder of the risks posed by wildfire," a company spokesperson said.
"The desalination plant is a vital part of Jersey's drought response.
"Had it been damaged, we would have lost critical resilience for the island's water supply during prolonged dry periods."
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