The fire service has given a further update over a large fire that broke out in Camborne earlier today and posed a 'considerable hazard'.

At one point people were being urged to stay away over fears of live electric and firefighters needing access. 

Fire crews from across Cornwall have been battling what Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service described as a "makes pump eight incident", meaning that eight pumping appliances were initially at the scene of the blaze in Kerrier Way.

The fire service put out a brief statement just after 3pm today (Saturday) to say: "We are aware of a large fire in Kerrier Way, Camborne. This is currently a make pumps eight incident."

It has now issued more detail, saying: "The first of over 60 emergency 999 calls was received at 2.46pm reporting an electrical mast on fire, spreading to gorse.

"Fire crews from Tolvaddon times two, Hayle, Truro, Falmouth, Perranporth, Penzance and St Ives, plus the incident command unit from St Just attended.

"The rapidly spreading fire was prevented from damaging properties. Live electricity cables were involved, which presented a considerable hazard.

"Firefighters used six hosereels, two main jets, using water supplied from a fire hydrant, contained the fire by 4.15pm. Western Power engineers attended to isolate the power lines.

"Approximately one hectare of gorse was burnt and fire crews are starting to leave the scene, some of them to attend other incidents."

Falmouth Packet: Screenshot from a video by Richelle SmithScreenshot from a video by Richelle Smith

Traffic monitoring system INRIX reported a road closure along the A3047 Kerrier Way in both directions, due to what it described as "fire services activity" from Dolcoath Road to Drop Stamp Road.

In a further statement the fire service said: "We are in attendance at a large wild fire in Kerrier Way, Camborne.

"We are requesting the public remain away from the area due to the potential of live electric, the manoeuvering of fire appliances and for crew safety."

 

The fire seen from Connor Downs, taken by Beth Jordan

The fire seen from Connor Downs, taken by Beth Jordan

Traffic sensors showed heavy congestion on parts of Kerrier Way and on adjoining Dolcoath Road.

It is just the latest incident at an extremely busy time for fire service, with multiple grass and hedges fires breaking out all across Cornwall in recent days, following the extended spell of dry weather.

Just before midnight last night the fire service revealed it had received 261 calls over the past 24-hour period, with 448 since the start of Thursday.

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