THE reckless actions of people deliberately setting off fires on drought-stricken land has been slammed by one of Cornwall’s fire fighting crews.

Several seats were set alight in the early hours of Wednesday, August 12.

Wadebridge Community Fire Station has confirmed that just hours after assisting with the response to a significant fire near to Mawgan Porth Golf Club, which saw several acres of scrubland burn to ashes, it found itself having to extinguish a deliberately started fire on Bodmin Moor.

A spokesperson for Wadebridge Fire Station said: “In the early hours of this morning, we were called to a deliberately ignited fire near St Breward involving several seats on open land.

“This reckless behaviour needlessly tied up multiple emergency service resources and could have had far more serious consequences.

“Please think before lighting any fires on open land and report any suspicious activity to the police. Stay safe and help us keep our communities protected.”

The warnings from the crew come as Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service ask people not to start fires. They said: “With Cornwall now in official drought conditions and a hosepipe ban in effect, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents and visitors to avoid carrying out controlled burns. Current ground and vegetation conditions across the county remain exceptionally dry, significantly increasing the risk of fire spread.

“Without an immediate and effective means of extinguishment, a bonfire or controlled burn can quickly escalate and become difficult to control, placing people, property, wildlife and the environment at risk.

“We also ask everyone to exercise extra caution when using barbecues, disposing of smoking materials and enjoying Cornwall's countryside, coastline and open spaces.

“By acting responsibly and remaining mindful of the heightened fire risk, we can all play a part in protecting our communities and helping to keep Cornwall safe.”