Large gorse fire at Roche Rock has been burning for several hours
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service says the blaze, which triggered multiple 999 calls, is being fanned by strong winds
Last updated 24th Apr 2021
A huge gorse fire has broken out at Roche Rock and has been burning for several hours.
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service says the blaze at the 20m high granite outcrop triggered multiple 999 calls.
Crews initially tried to fight the flames using beaters but found they were being fanned by strong winds.
Back-up teams from Saltash, Bodmin and Lostwithiel have since been scrambled, along with a water carrier from Liskeard.
The fire was first reported at around 3pm on Saturday 24th April.
Just before 6pm, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were working to stop it spreading further but confirmed good progress was being made.
The fire is the second in the open in the space of a few days, after a huge blaze at Rough Tor on Thursday.
“At 15:02 Critical Control received the first of multiple 999 calls to a fire on Roche Rock. On arrival crews found a large fire being fanned by high winds. Crews initially attempted to extinguish the fire using beaters, however requested assistance from an additional appliance, which was a Saltash Appliance who happened to be returning from another incident. A Group Manager was also mobilised to take command of the incident.
“15:47 Assistance Message: Make Pumps 3. Additional appliance from Bodmin Fire Station. At this point crews were dealing with a fire with a 300 metre front.
“16:25 Assistance Message: Make Pumps 4. Additional appliance mobilised from Lostwithiel.
“17:02 Informative Message: 2 Hose Reel Jets in use. Crews shuttling water from a nearby hydrant.
“17:15 Assistance Message: Request Water Carrier. Mobilised from Liskeard Fire Station.
“17:44 Informative Message: Good progress being made. Crews attempting to prevent further fire spread”.
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
Just hours earlier, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service had tweeted to warn people about the risk of wildfires due to the strong winds.
Station Manager Martyn Addinall said: “We are currently passing through a very dry period with strong easterly winds, with the weekend & a reduction of restrictions it is only natural to want to go outdoors & enjoy together, it's important to stay fire-aware when out & about.
“With the dry weather set to continue for the foreseeable period we are asking the public to be vigilant and by following these few simple steps we can all help to reduce the chance of a wildfire in the countryside”.
Station Manager Martyn Addinall
You can read more fire safety advice for when you and your family are outdoors here.