A LIGHT aircraft, travelling over the Bude/Stratton area, contacted emergency services on Wednesday, April 26, after they spotted a fire.

Crews later discovered a large wooden barn, in the Kilkhampton area near the A39, was on fire.

On receipt of the call, at 12.19pm, both appliances from Bude were mobilised. They then received a number of calls and as a result, whilst still en route, further resources were requested to attend the incident. One appliance from Delabole and an appliance from Holsworthy and Hartland were mobilised for additional water and personnel. Shortly after this, an appliance from Delabole was also requested.

Devon and Cornwall Police also attended this incident and managed traffic because of the close proximity of the incident to the A39.

On the day of the incident a police spokesperson told the Post: “Police have been called at 12.35pm today following a report of a barn fire in Kilkhampton Road, Bude. Four fire engines and police on scene. No persons reported inside.

“Was reported to emergency services after someone aboard a light aircraft reported to air traffic control that a property was on fire in the Stratton area.”

On arrival crews found a fire involving a fifteen metre by fifteen metre wooden shed, which was well alight. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two high-pressure hosereel jets. There were also reports of cylinders being involved.

By 2pm the incident had been sectorised, ground monitors were used and a water shuttle was put in place to provide water at the incident ground. Teams of firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were still in use but the incident was beginning to scale down.

By 3pm, the fire was confirmed extinguished and all appliances had left the scene and were returning to their home stations.