Brian May has shared shocking pictures and a passionate message online for his fans. The Queen legend had a traumatic weekend and, clearly still upset, wrote, “to see this happen in my own home county has been shocking and traumatic.” Major forest fires engulfed the area around his Surrey home and the star was worried about the threat to his home and studio and all “the fond relics of my life.” He warned “the danger is not over.”
The wildfire erupted on Cobham Common on Friday. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said the outbreak was reported at 12.30pm and six fire engines were dispatched. The smoke was visible for miles and up to ten hectares were alight, with the fire already starting to spread.
Over 100 local residents were evacuated from their homes. Sunningdale Golf Course was evacuated in the middle of a tournament.The fire spread to rail tracks and trains between Reading and London were suspended.
Brian May was at home at the time and has spoken of his fears, his devastating at seeing the destruction afterwards and his anger at the recent cuts to the fire service.
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May wrote: “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.
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“Today 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, I was rescuing as many 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 were 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.“
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The Queen icon went on to praise local firefighters and rescue services. But he also heavily criticised government funding cuts to the NHS and fire services.
He added: “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.”
FULL BRIAN MAY POST ON INSTAGRAM
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