WITH hot weather drying out Cornwall’s landscape, fire crews across the region have been busy keeping residents safe by tackling a number of fires which have broken out.

On August 12, at around 2.01pm, the Bude team saw one pump mobilised to Launceston Fire Station for standby duties. Whilst on their way they were called to reports of a field on fire in the St Stephens area.

On arrival, the team were met with two fields and a hedge alight. Using two hose reel jets and beaters they were quick to put it out and stop it spreading further. While damping down in became apparent a fire had started by the railway tracks a few fields further down. Once the fire was located in a hedge and with access tricky, one hose reel jet was again used with beaters to stop it spreading.

Further damping down of the hedge and surrounding area was needed, and crews headed for their standby duties at 6.05pm to be relieved by Launceston who had been out most of the day, and returned to Bude at 11.45pm.

The same day, the team had another crew covering Bude, who were paged to a ‘fire in the open’

A spokesperson from Bude Community Fire Station explained: “On arrival a 10 metre by 10 metre bonfire was located, and with the dry weather was decided to be put out. Using one hose reel jet it was quickly under control, stopping it spread to a near by hedge and causing further damage.

“At 8.07pm, the pager went down again for the second crew, this time reports of a number of small fires on the beach. Once on the beach a number of barbecues were spotted, so the crew gave safety advice and left them to enjoy the eclipse!”