'Massive' fire breaks out in fields just off Cornwall's A30

Photos on social media show smoke from burning straw billowing across the area

Smoke from a wildfire just off the A30 at Mitchell
Author: Emma HartPublished 11th Aug 2022
Last updated 11th Aug 2022

What is being described as a massive fire has broken out in fields just off Cornwall's A30.

Smoke from what appears to be burning straw can be seen billowing out across the area at Mitchell.

The blaze is one of a string of fires in the open in the Duchy over the last week, including one which engulfed grassland in Truro.

Jonathan Keam tweeted these pictures, saying crews from Newquay Community Fire Station are at the scene.

It is understood firefighters are requesting a tractor and plough for a firebreak.

The latest fire comes as the heatwave hits Cornwall's already dry landscape, with an amber 'Extreme Heat' weather warning now in force.

The Met Office has issued that for areas north of Bodmin, alongside a 'Heat Health Alert' from both the organisation and UK Health Security Agency.

Kernow Weather Team says parts of the Duchy have already seen highs of 32C on Thursday and forecasters are predicting even hotter conditions as the week goes on.

Posting on Twitter, Kernow Weather Team said: "Some high temperatures around Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly this afternoon. "Please remember to slap on that sun cream and stay hydrated, as the UV levels are very high at the moment".

According to the Met Office fire severity index, the current risk level in parts of England has reached 'Very High' or 'Exceptional'.

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