Island Response called for fire crews

Island Reponse, the voluntary part of the emergency services, were called out to help the Bryher, Tresco and St Mary’s fire fighters last night.

The fire brigade was called to deal with a large gorse fire north of Popplestones Bay on Shipman’s Head. They were alerted after someone on Tresco spotted the fire just after midnight.

Fire crews from St Mary’s and Tresco were immediately called in. The headland was engulfed with flames after strong winds made the fire brigade’s work even harder.

Island Response was called in at 230am to create a rest centre for the firemen. Fire fighters were still at the scene until Sunday lunchtime.

Although the cause of the fire hasn’t been established the area has recently been subject to controlled burning by the Wildlife Trust. Although the burning took place two weeks ago firfighters believe that plants could have continued to smoulder underground.

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