Wildfire next to the A38

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue crews battled a fire on the side of the A38 just near the Dean Prior and Buckfastleigh junction. 

Around 2.30pm on Monday, 17 August, Ivybridge, Buckfastleigh and Ashburton fire crews were called, alongside a water bowser from Torquay Fire Station, to reports of a grass fire close to the A38. 

Buckfastleigh Fire Station 

A spokesperson for Buckfastleigh Fire Station said: "The fire had spread into the central reservation, producing large plumes of smoke which drifted across both carriageways and caused extremely poor visibility for motorists.

"On arrival, the Officer in Charge committed crews from both sides of the A38, with one appliance tackling the fire from the Plymouth-bound carriageway and another from the Exeter-bound carriageway.

"Crews used hose reel jets and beaters to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible. We were also grateful for the assistance of a local farmer, who used his own bowser containing water and slurry to help dampen down the affected area.

Buckfastleigh Fire Station

"Our appliances were replenished with water by the bowser from Torquay, allowing crews to continue firefighting operations and get the road reopened as quickly and safely as possible.

"A big thank you to all the motorists caught up in the traffic for your patience and understanding.

"We would also like to thank the Police and Highways Agency for their assistance. Their support with traffic management and scene safety allows incidents like this to be dealt with as safely as possible for both our firefighters and members of the public.

"With vegetation currently extremely dry, fires can spread very quickly — please take extra care when out and about."

Buckfastleigh Fire Station

Fire crews were also called to South Brent to reports of an electrical pole on fire yesterday, Sunday, 16 August. 

A spokesperson for Buckfastleigh Fire Station said: "On arrival, crews found that an automatic re-closer at the top of an electrical pole, located within a field, had caught fire.

"The fire had spread to the surrounding field, and crews quickly got to work using beaters to prevent it from escalating further.

"With vegetation extremely dry at the moment, fires can spread very quickly, so crews worked swiftly to bring the incident under control and prevent further spread.

"National Grid attended and isolated the power to the pole enabling them to start the repair."

Buckfastleigh Fire Station

This summer is on track to be the hottest summer in the UK ever beating the last hottest year on record, which was last year. Wildfires are becoming more and more frequent and the Government has put a ban on disposable BBQs and all advice is to be very careful with anything that could start a fire during this current heatwave. 

Check out the climate change evidence: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/approach/collaboration/ukcp