Firefighters tackle fire ‘sparked by firework’ in Cornwall

  • Dramatic pictures show how flames quickly spread after Bonfire Night incident
  • Spectators had gathered to watch display at Driftwood Spars pub in St Agnes
  • One witness reported how a firework was blown off course and into the hillside 

A huge gorse fire that consumed an entire hillside is believed to have been sparked by a rogue firework.

Dramatic pictures show how the flames quickly spread after the Bonfire Night incident in Cornwall last night.

Spectators had gathered to watch the display at the Driftwood Spars pub in St Agnes and one witness reported how a firework was blown off course and into the hillside.

A huge gorse fire that consumed an entire hillside is believed to have been sparked by a rogue firework

Dramatic pictures show how the flames quickly spread after the Bonfire night incident in Cornwall last night

Dramatic pictures show how the flames quickly spread after the Bonfire night incident in Cornwall last night

Spectators had gathered to watch the display at the Driftwood Spars pub in St Agnes, Cornwall, and one witness reported how a firework was blown off course and into the hillside

Spectators had gathered to watch the display at the Driftwood Spars pub in St Agnes, Cornwall, and one witness reported how a firework was blown off course and into the hillside

The emergency services were alerted but the first fire engine responding to the incident struggled to reach the scene as people visiting the display had parked on the narrow lane leading down to the beach.

Witness Matt Rawicki who said: ‘One firework was blown onto the hill behind the pub and the fire is spreading rapidly.

‘One fire engine is currently stuck as it can’t get down to the fire due to all the cars parked. I’d say they won’t reach the fire as it’s too far up the hill.’

A spokesman for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said the first call was received at 7.05pm. 

He said: ‘On receipt of this initial call appliances from Perranporth were mobilised.

A witness reported how one of the fireworks was blown on to the hillside and flames quickly spread

A witness reported how one of the fireworks was blown on to the hillside and flames quickly spread

Stray firework is believed to have sparked a large fire on the hillside above St Agnes

Stray firework is believed to have sparked a large fire on the hillside above St Agnes

‘Multiple calls were being received and when on scene further resources were requested and an appliance from Tolvaddon was mobilised.

‘A large area of gorse was alight and encroaching on nearby properties, so further resources were requested and attended from Tolvaddon, Hayle and Truro.

‘Crews were engaged in setting up ground monitors and were using beaters at the incident. Two whole time officers were also in attendance.’

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