Help Support Sark's Volunteer Firefighters After the Island's Largest Wildfire

On Friday 10th July, Sark faced one of the biggest emergencies in its history.

A wildfire broke out in Little Sark near the Silver Mines and, fuelled by the extreme heat and dry conditions, quickly spread. Within hours, a Major Incident was declared as the volunteer Sark Fire and Rescue Service faced what is believed to be the largest fire they have ever had to tackle.

From the very first call, these incredible volunteers put everything else aside to protect their island. They spent more than 30 hours straight battling the blaze, saving homes, protecting lives and working in incredibly difficult conditions, all without pay. Many gave up their own income and time with their families to answer the call when their community needed them most.

Fighting a wildfire on Sark brings unique challenges. There is no mains water on the island, so as the fire continued to spread, the community came together in the most extraordinary way. Water tanks, bowsers and IBCs were brought from across the island. Boreholes were connected, underground reservoirs opened, and even private swimming pools were offered to keep water flowing to the firefighters. It was a true community effort, with neighbours helping neighbours and everyone doing whatever they could.

Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service immediately came to Sark's aid, working alongside the local crews throughout the incident. Tragically, several Guernsey firefighters were injured in a tractor accident while responding to the fire. Thanks to the swift actions of Sark's doctor, Community First Responders, Ambulance Service and the wider emergency services, they received the treatment they needed. We wish every injured firefighter a full and speedy recovery.

More than 50 people were directly involved in the emergency response, while countless others stepped in behind the scenes by preparing food, transporting crews, supplying equipment, covering jobs and supporting exhausted firefighters throughout the ordeal. It was a powerful reminder of what makes this small island community so special.

Although the fire is now under control, crews continue to monitor the area and respond to flare-ups to prevent the fire from reigniting.

This incredible effort has taken its toll. Equipment has been damaged, hoses have burst, and essential firefighting resources now need replacing. The incident also highlighted improvements that can be made to water transfer equipment and other specialist resources, helping Sark be even better prepared should anything like this ever happen again.

This fundraiser has been set up to support Sark Fire and Rescue Service in replacing damaged equipment, purchasing new fittings and essential firefighting resources, and helping ensure these dedicated volunteers have what they need to protect our island in the future.

If you are able to donate, no matter how large or small, it will make a genuine difference. If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing this page so we can reach as many people as possible.

To every firefighter, emergency responder, volunteer and member of the community who worked tirelessly to protect Sark over those long hours—thank you. Your courage, dedication and selflessness have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Together, let's help give them the support they deserve.