Firefighters respond to early morning woodland blaze

FIREFIGHTERS from across South Devon were called to a woodland fire near Chudleigh after multiple reports of smoke in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service received several calls shortly after 5am on July 11, prompting the mobilisation of a crew from Bovey Tracey.

On arrival, firefighters discovered several separate seats of fire deep within woodland.

With access made difficult by the terrain, further resources were requested as crews worked to prevent the blaze from spreading.

The incident eventually involved firefighters from 11 stations, including Bovey Tracey, Dawlish, Moretonhampstead and Teignmouth.

Crews used hose reel jets and beaters to bring the fire under control.

The cause of the fire has not been confirmed.