Large fire breaks out in Exeter park sending smoke across city

Large fire breaks out in Exeter park sending smoke across city Multiple fires broke out around Exeter in Devon on Tuesday afternoon - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Firefighters raced to battle a major fire at a park in Exeter on Tuesday amid a worsening heatwave and drought conditions. Smoke could been seen billowing over the city after a large fire broke out at in the Beacon Heath area. Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service said a large grass fire had broken out at Mincinglake Valley Park just before 3pm. “The incident has been sectorised, and crews are working to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading any further,” they said in a statement. “Local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed. Please avoid the area to allow our crews to work on bringing the fire under control.” Fire crews separately battled blazes near Exeter airport after a forested area caught fire on Tuesday afternoon. Multiple crews raced to the scene in Cranbrook in the early afternoon to tackle several fires including a blaze affecting a row of conifer trees and 10 square metres of standing crops. Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service said that attending crews had requested backup from another two fire engines, pulled in from other areas. “Crew are currently dealing with approximately 50m of Conifer trees that are on fire. Crew are working with hose reel jets and beaters to try and extinguish the fire,” they said in a statement. This news is breaking: more to follow Did you see what happened? Contact [email protected] Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] BREAKING NEWS