EIGHTY firefighters are continuing to battle a blaze raging across Woodbury Common. Pete Smith, the incident commander, charged with overseeing the large-scale operation, expected there to be around 120 firefighters at the scene in the next few hours. Mr

EIGHTY firefighters are continuing to battle a blaze raging across Woodbury Common.

Pete Smith, the incident commander, charged with overseeing the large-scale operation, expected there to be around 120 firefighters at the scene in the next few hours.

Mr Smith believes crews will be there 'all night' in order to put out the flames.

The gorse fire at Woodbury Common started at around 3.22pm today, April 20. Clouds of smoke are visible from several miles away.

Mr Smith said: "There is gusting winds of about six knots at the moment. The whole area is tinder-dry as a result of the recent period of dry weather."

He said firefighters were working with Clinton Devon Estates, owners of the land, over the issue.

The fire crews are using water jets, hoses and beaters to douse the flames.