Ashdown Forest, 'Hundred Acre Wood' that inspired beloved 'Winnie-the-Pooh' series, ravaged by fire

LONDON - British firefighters battled a blaze that broke out overnight Sunday in the forest that inspired the setting of the beloved “Winnie-the-Pooh” children's books.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said its crew was called Sunday evening to a blaze in southern England’s Ashdown Forest, inspiration for the “Hundred Acre Wood” in A.A. Milne’s children’s stories.

According to a tweet from Ashdown Forest officials, the blaze affected approximately 15 hectares (37 acres). Six fire engines were used to combat the blaze.
 

Fire service spokesman Andrew Gausden told the BBC that the fire, which spread quickly through dry undergrowth, did not appear to have been started deliberately.

“Winnie-the-Pooh” author A.A. Milne lived in nearby Cotchford Farm, and based the wooded setting of his beloved children’s books on Ashdown Forest.

Two fires broke out earlier in February affecting 35 hectares (86 acres), of the forest.

In the wake of the blaze, the West Sussex Fire & Rescue's Twitter account sent out a message urging people to help prevent future fires by avoiding open fires and extinguishing cigarettes.

This story was reported from Los Angeles. The Associated Press contributed to this story.