Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Goonhilly Downs, Lizard Peninsula at 24/03/2007 12:09

Fire crews from Mullion, St Keverne, Helston, Falmouth, Penzance, Truro, Camborne, Redruth, Newquay, St Austell, St Dennis and Bodmin attended a major gorse fire covering an area of about 150 hectares. The fire was burning on 4 fronts and firefighters used beaters and hoses to bring the fire under control by 1915hrs. Approximately 90 firefighters were in attendance at the height of the blaze, with a total of 12 major fire appliances and 4 off-road fire appliances on scene. Roads in the vicinity were closed to traffic for the safety of the public and to allow fire appliances to move around the incident, unhindered.

Arson is suspected and the police are now dealing.

One firefighter suffered the effects of heat exhaustion and was airlifted to Treliske Hospital at Truro. The firefighter has since been discharged following treatment.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=928