OKEHAMPTON fire service dealt with a number of gorse fires over the weekend in the area around South Zeal, Belstone and Sticklepath. On Friday afternoon, the fire station received numerous calls about two fires — one on Skaigh Lane near Sticklepath, and the other at Tongue End near Belstone. The Tongue End fire was quickly extinguished, but by the time two fire engines had arrived at the Skaigh Lane blaze, three acres of gorse and bracken were alight. The fire officers struggled against strong winds and difficult terrain, and at 5.40pm a third engine had to be called to the scene to provide extra water, while the police had to be called in to control passing traffic. In all, eight acres of gorse was destroyed by the fire before it was successfully controlled and extinguished. Later on Friday, the fire service was called to a third fire — this time on Ramsley Common. Fire officer Ian Donovan said it is thought the fires were set alight maliciously. He said: 'We have serious concerns about the locations of these fires due to their close proximity to busy roads.' He added that all three fires were being treated as suspected arson. Anyone with information about any of the fires should contact Okehampton Police Station on 01837 658400.
