FIREFIGHTERS have been tackling a massive gorse fire just outside Redruth overnight with the whole hill on fire.

Fire control received the first of 84 repeat calls at 9.30pm last night reporting a large gorse fire in the Wheal Uny area of Redruth.

When they arrived they found a large fire with a 400 metre front the flames could be seen for miles around.

Falmouth Packet:

The fire at the height of the blaze. Picture Hayle Community Fire Services

Local resident Jon Dripps whos is only half a mile from the fire posted on Facebook last night.

"Some p***k's only gone and set the countryside alight in Redruth.

"This fire spread within ten mins to this size. It's a half mile from the house! The whole hill's on fire & heading towards Carn brea."

Falmouth Packet:

Picture Keith Pascoe/FB

Crews fought the fire throughout the night with appliances from Tolvaddon, Hayle, Helston, St Dennis, Truro, Falmouth, St Just and two Flexi Duty Officers attended.

By 6am the fire service was reporting that the fire was out and there was one appliance on the scene monitoring for any hotspots.

The report from critical fire control read: "At 2130hrs Critical Control in Tolvaddon received the first of 84 repeat calls reporting a gorse fire in the Wheal Uny Area of Redruth.

Falmouth Packet:

The scene of the fire this morning. Picture Hayle Emergency Services Community Fire Station

"On arrival crews stated a large fire with a 400 metre front. Appliances from Tolvaddon, Hayle, Helston, St Dennis, Truro, Falmouth, St Just and two Flexi Duty Officers attended. Crews fought the fire throughout the night and there is currently one appliance on scene monitoring hotspots."

Falmouth Packet:

The scene of the fire this morning. Picture Hayle Emergency Services Community Fire Station

Only Friday, Cornwall Fire and rescue Service issued the following warning:

"Every year, fire destroys thousands of acres of countryside, and although some are started deliberately, most of them are due to carelessness.

"Cornwall Fire and Rescue are reminding everyone to take particular care not only during this current dry spell but throughout the year.

“We are currently passing through a very dry period with strong easterly winds over the next few days with the weekend ahead and a reduction of restrictions it is only natural to want to go outdoors and enjoy times together but it is also important to stay fire-aware when out and about.

“With the dry weather set to continue for the foreseeable period we are asking the public to be vigilant and by following these few simple steps we can all help to reduce the chance of a wildfire in the countryside.”

Staying Safe Do’s & Don’ts;

• Extinguish cigarettes properly, don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows – take your litter home.

• Avoid open fires in the countryside. Always have them in safe designated areas.

• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Early detection can prevent it from developing into a large wildfire incident.

• Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.

• Landowners and Land Managers are also advised, where possible, to be prepared for fires and ensure that fire breaks are cut and well maintained with any cut grasses and vegetation removed from the site.

We are also warning people to be extra cautious when lighting barbeques and bonfires during the dry spell.

If you must have an open fire:

• Only use barbeques in suitable and safe areas; never leave them unattended.

• Never use petrol, it can ignite quickly and soon get out of control. Only use approved lighting fuels

• Make sure it is downwind and at least 10 metres away from any buildings or structures.

• Clear dry vegetation, such as leaves, to form a circle of earth around the fire.

• Never leave fires unattended and make sure they are fully extinguished after use.

For further fire safety advice please visit http://bit.ly/outdoorfiresafety