Two large gorse fires at Cornwall beauty spots following days of extreme heat
Critical Control said they received multiple calls to Zennor and Nare Head near Veryan
Last updated 19th Jul 2022
Dramatic footage has emerged of two gorse fires in west Cornwall, following days of extreme heat.
Flames and smoke were seen streaming over fields at Zennor on Tuesday morning (19 July).
Firefighters were also scrambled to a blaze at Nare Head near Veryan on Monday night which, at its peak, spanned an area measuring 100m x 100m.
Posting on Twitter, Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service said both incidents were being monitored.
"Critical Control are taking multiple repeat calls for Zennor and Nare Head gorse fires.
"Crews are in attendance and monitoring the fires".
The below footage shows the blaze at Zennor, which broke out just hours after a separate fire at Nare Head near Veryan on Cornwall's Roseland Peninsula.
In a statement, Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service said: "Coastguard helicopter reported a 999 call to what appeared to be a large gorse fire.
"Two appliances from St Mawes were mobilised to the scene. On crews arrival at 23:23 they requested a second major appliance and land rover was sent from Mevagissey.
The fire measured 50 x 50 metres and was spreading with no natural fire break nearby. One water carrier was requested - this was mobilised from Helston.
"At 00:12 the fire measured 100 x 100 metres, crews were using beaters and a main jet".
Meanwhile, Cornwall Heritage Trust is calling for care on its sites as gorse fires burn on the Cornish coastline.
The charity protects 12 historic sites across the Duchy, including the Hurler Stone Circles, Castle an Dinas, Treffry Viaduct and Sancreed Beacon.
Officials are asking the general public to take care and follow the Countryside Code when visiting its historic sites, in light of the blazes at Nare Head and Zennor.
Cornwall Heritage Trust CEO, Cathy Woolcock said: “The Cornish countryside has become very dry over the last few months and this, combined with the temperatures we’re now experiencing, is creating the perfect conditions for fires to start and spread quickly.
"We don’t have any designated BBQ areas at our sites, so please follow the Countryside Code and don’t be tempted to start a BBQ or campfire – even the smallest spark, from a cigarette for example, can cause serious damage, especially when conditions are like this.
“If you see anything which you think could pose a wildfire threat at one of our sites, please do let us know. We want to do everything we can do to keep pressure off the emergency services and protect these special places for everyone.”