Cornwall's firefighters log 261 incidents in 24hrs, amid drought and heatwave
The recent wildfires include a big blaze in Camborne involving live power cables
Last updated 14th Aug 2022
Cornwall's firefighters have issued ANOTHER wildfires warning, after DAYS of extremely high demand.
They were called to multiple shouts on Saturday, including a huge blaze near Camborne that involved live power cables.
At one point the flames on Kerrier Way were in danger of spreading to nearby homes, but any damage was prevented.
Crews from Tolvaddon, Hayle, Truro, Falmouth, Perranporth, Penzance and St Ives were called, as well as the incident command unit from St Just.
Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service says approximately one hectare of gorse was burnt.
The day before - on Friday 12th August - Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service logged 261 incidents, including a fierce fire on the side of the A30.
The smoke could be seen billowing across the carriageway near the Avers Roundabout and at one point, it was so thick the road was closed in both directions.
10 pumps and a water carrier were scrambled as it spread towards houses and livestock but, again, crews managed to prevent that.
Shortly before 6pm, Cornwall FRS said: "The fire was brought under control by 1755hrs. Eight hosereels, one jet, water backpacks and the water carrier were used".
The recent incidents have promoted a warning to avoid barbecues, campfires and discarding lit cigarette ends.
On Friday, Cornwall FRS said: "In the last 24 hours crews have been mobilised from 26 of our 31 community fire stations to incidents across the county.
"We have also been assisted by our colleagues in Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, and likewise our crews have assisted them with incidents over the border.
"The service continues to experience sustained operational pressures from wildfires as well as business as usual incidents such as road traffic collisions.
"Our Critical Control Centre has handled a significant number of 999 and non-emergency calls, with 261 incident logs being generated in a 24 hour period, and 422 in the last 48 hours.
"As well as this, the Critical Control Centre also assist other fire and rescue services by taking 999 calls for other parts of the UK where BT are experiencing a sudden rise in 999 calls.
"We would ask everyone to take care while enjoying the fine weather and consider what they can do to prevent fires and other emergencies".
Read More:
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Met Office issues 'Extreme Heat' amber weather warning for Cornwall