Firefighters from ten local stations battled a “deliberate” gorse fire that took nearly five hours to control.

Fire crews were called to Harts Wood, Loddiswell, on Monday, June 11, at around 5.20pm. Upon arrival crews found a large area of dry gorse and grassland on fire on a steep slope.

A Kingsbridge Fire Station representative said: “The heat of the day and the remote location of the fire both added difficulties to the incident.

“Multiple lengths of hose for CAFS and numerous fire fighters with beaters were required to extinguish the fire.

“After a mammoth effort from the initial responding crews to stop the rapid spread of the fire, the incident was brought to a close and as the light faded to night crews were de-briefed before returning to their home stations.”

The fire crews left the scene at around 10pm, having extinguished the fire.

Crews from Kingsbridge Fire Station, Modbury Fire Station, Kingston Fire Station, Salcombe Fire Station, Dartmouth Fire Station, Buckfastleigh Fire Station, Plympton Fire Station, Newton Abbot Fire Station, Paignton Fire Station, Honiton Fire Station were all mobilised for manpower, to allow for crew rotation and welfare.

The cause of the fire was thought to be deliberate.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service remind walkers and campers to be mindful of the impact and damage that a wild fire has on the environment. These fires are very dangerous as they spread fast and can change direction in an instance.

Alan Gilson, community safety prevention manager, said: “We want people to be able to enjoy the countryside, but ask them to be vigilant during drier weather to help prevent more wild fires in the future.

“A change in wind direction can cause the fire to spread rapidly, putting fire fighters at risk as well as nearby people and property.”

Alan added that fire resources often have to be diverted away from other duties to deal with wild fires.

DSFRS have released their top tips to avoid a wild fire starting:

• extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly

• never throw cigarette ends out of car windows

• don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands – sunlight shining through glass can start fires; take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin.

• avoid using open fires in the countryside

• if you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately

• don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.

Alan added: “Some fires are clearly started deliberately - and we would ask the public to report any suspicious behaviour to the police immediately. You can contact the police on the 101 number or alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”