by Alan Quick

FIREFIGHTERS, in very difficult and cold wintery conditions, worked hard to put out a large area of gorse and bracken on fire at Skaigh Warren, near Sticklepath, Okehampton, during the evening of Wednesday, February 28.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said it received a high volume of calls reporting a fire in the open at the location, the first call received at 6.43pm.

A fire appliance from Okehampton, along with their 4x4 vehicle was mobilised.

As further calls came in, it became evident that more resources were required.

Fire appliances from North Tawton and Chagford were also mobilised.

One of the callers was a land owner near by and offered assistance as well as access. Crews were directed to him.

On arrival, the officer in charge confirmed approximately six acres of gorse and bracken, on steep terrain was well alight.

Hose reel jets and beaters were used.

The firefighters worked until late into the evening to put out the fire.

At about the same time, fire crews fought a fire involving 20 square metres gorse and bracken on fire at Buckland Common.