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Gorse fires on same moor started deliberately

Zhara SimpsonDevon
News imageDevon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service An image of tall, bright orange and black flames coming off the moorland. It is dark and the bright flames contrast against the night sky. There is also a lot of smoke coming from the area. There is a firefighter to the left of the image.Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Crews tackled the fires on Monday afternoon

Two gorse fires in the same area of moorland were thought to have been started deliberately, a fire service has said.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the fires broke out on Monday at about 15:20 GMT in the West Anstey Common area, in Devon.

South Molton Fire Station said on social media there were two separate blazes which involved gorse on the moor affecting a total area of about 600m (1,968ft).

The service said the fires were extinguished by 18:00 on Monday.

News imageDevon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service An image of tall, bright orange and black flames coming off the moorland. It is dark and the bright flames contrast against the night sky. There is also a lot of smoke and ash floating in the sky. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Fire crews were called to the fires about 15:20 on Monday

Fire crews from Barnstaple, Lynton, South Molton, Bampton, Tiverton and Dulverton were sent to the scene.

The service said crews used a water bowser, hose jets and beaters to prevent the flames spreading.

The fire service said on social media on Tuesday it was working with Devon and Cornwall Police into the cause.

In a statement, it said: "We are issuing a warning to people after several fires have been started deliberately in the countryside since Christmas.

"A period of exceptionally dry and windy weather has contributed to the spread of uncontrolled wildfires in the West Anstey Common area and one at Meldon Common, Chagford."

The BBC has contacted police for more information.

News imageDevon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service A firefighter stood to the left of a large fire on the moors. In the distance are bright orange flames with a large amount of smoke. The moorland is black with ash. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Fire crews used hose jets and beaters to prevent the flames spreading

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