A MOORLAND fire drew in firefighters from nine stations after a controlled burn ‘got out of hand’ yesterday afternoon and evening (Friday).

Crews from Ashburton, Bovey Tracey, Chagford, Moretonhampstead, Newton Abbot were among those sent to the heathland blaze at Widecombe in the Moor.

They were initially called out shortly after 2pm and then later when part of the four hectares hit by the fire reignited.

A Fire control spokesperson reports: ‘Appliances attended a controlled burn that was getting out of hand and spreading.

‘Two appliances, a water bowser and an off-road vehicle attended.

‘Crews soon requested a further three appliances due to a 400m fire front which was spreading. Two all terrain vehicles were also sent, along with a command support unit.

‘Crews got to work with beaters, fogging units and a main jet attacking the fire.

‘As the incident carried on, a make-up message was received in control requesting an additional 3 pumps and 2 extra off-road vehicles.

‘Crews continued to extinguish the fire using 4x4 vehicles, ATV’s, beaters, Hose reel jets and 45mm attack jets. A drone was also utilised by our USAR team to make aerial assessments.

‘Crews confirmed this fire is now fully extinguished. Approximately four hectares were involved in fire.

In a later update the spokesperson added: ‘Fire control received multiple calls to a fire in the same location as this incident above from earlier in the day.

‘A fire appliance from Ashburton was sent to inspect.

‘On scene crews requested additional appliances which attended from Bovey Tracey and Moretonhampstead along which a 4x$ and ATV from Bovey Tracey.

‘Crews confirmed this was a reignition from the fire earlier in the day and it was extinguished using Hose reel jet, 45mm attack jet, beaters the ATV from Bovey Tracey.’