Fire lit 'on purpose' sees crew mobilised to woodland

A FIRE lit 'with the intention of causing damage and destruction' saw the great and the good from Newton Abbot Fire Station mobilised to a nearby woodland.

With their colleagues otherwise engaged in fighting a wildfire, crew from Newton Abbot Fire Station were called to an incident in Bovey Tracey yesterday, Wednesday, July 5, where a fire in the open had been reported.

Upon arrival, the crew discovered a small area of woodland well alight and a deep seated fire in the peat below.

Crews were able to extinguish the fire using a hose reel jet; crews also utilised small tools and a reciprocating saw to cut away effected areas of the woodland.

A spokesman for Newton Abbot Fire Station said: 'Although the fire wasn't particularly large, this fire was unfortunately lit on purpose, with the intention of causing damage and destruction.

'We would like to take this opportunity to remind people that wildfires at this time of year, and for the next several months, are at a higher risk and can be absolutely devastating to the local area.

'Please avoid having fires where possible at this time, and if you're going to use a disposable BBQ, please dispose of it responsibly.

'Thank you.'