EXMOUTH firefighters were called to Woodbury Common this morning after a fire broke out among the bracken close to the castle.
EXMOUTH firefighters were called to Woodbury Common this morning after a fire broke out among the bracken close to the castle.
Four fire crews spent more than an hour bringing the fire under control after strong winds spread the blaze.
The cause of the fire, which spread over a 100m by 50m area of the common, was accidental.
The fire crews used specialist foam, a main jet, a hose reel jet and beaters to tackle the blaze.
The water bowser from Exeter and the incident command unit from Exmouth were also tasked to the scene.
Exmouth watch commander Nigel Snowshall said: "There were concerns because the wind was quite strong and swirly. There was no definitive wind direction, which made it a bit difficult to start with.
"I would ask people to be vigilant at this time of year when the common is dry, because of the speed a fire can travel.
"If anyone suspects a fire has broken out, I would ask them to make an early call to the fire service.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here