THREE fire appliances from Bude attended a large fire involving an area of cliff near Widemouth Bay, at around 3.35pm on Saturday.

The fire, consisting of gorse and grass, measured 100 metres by 50 metres. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using two hose reels utilised an open water source to extinguish the fire.

Devon and Cornwall Police were originally informed that the fire was believed to have been started deliberately, but whilst dampening the area, fire crews were informed by some people that they had started the fire unintentionally. The cause of the fire has now been classified as accidental.

A fire safety spokesperson said: "Members of the public are urged to take extra care during the prolonged dry weather conditions that we are enjoying at the moment.

"Fires can easily be started with lack of care and then spread quickly out of control."