Arson suspected after massive fire engulfed moorland in Cornwall
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service had more than 80 calls to the blaze in the St Breock Downs/Rosenannon area, that could be seen for miles
Last updated 10th Feb 2021
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service says arson is suspected after that massive moorland fire that could be seen for miles around.
They received more than 80 calls to the gorse blaze at St Breock Rosenannon on Tuesday night.
Locals shared photos and videos on social media from places like Wadebridge, Padstow and St Columb, showing the sky lit-up an eerie orange.
Crews from Wadebridge, St Columb, Padstow and Bodmin had to call in back-up and were fighting the flames until the early hours of Wednesday morning.
They said "multiple large fronts of gorse" were burning and had to use beaters in an attempt to bring the fire under control.
At 1am, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: "The fire has been extinguished. Crews are now returning to their home stations. Arson is suspected".
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service later tweeted: "Setting fires deliberately is an offence.
"If you have any information about deliberate fires, please report it.
"If you see suspicious activity in your area contact @DC_Police on 101 - dial 999 in an emergency. You can also call @CrimestoppersUK free anonymously on 0800 555 111".
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
Devon and Cornwall Police say they were "notified" but are "not involved at this time", adding that Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service are leading investigations.
Read more: Massive fire in area of Cornish nature reserve could be seen for miles