A spate of gorse fires has ignited concerns across Cornwall, particularly on the iconic Bodmin Moor, where the authorities suspect arson may be at play. The latest incident occurred on March 19, 2025, in the Dozmary Pool area, where approximately 100 meters of gorse caught fire, prompting a swift response from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.
Crews were immediately dispatched to combat the blaze, identifying a potential act of arson as the cause behind the flames. "Crews from Bodmin are in attendance at a Gorse fire at the Dozmary Pool area of Bodmin Moor. This is 100m of Gorse alight, and crews are using beaters and 1 HR jet to extinguish. Arson is suspected," said a spokesperson from the fire service.
This fire is part of a troubling pattern, following another significant gorse fire that erupted just two days earlier on March 18, near Manor Common in Blisland, which had been reported at around midnight. Witnesses reported seeing flames leaping high into the air, observable even from the A30, close to the junction for St Austell and the Eden Project. One eyewitness remarked, "There was only one fire truck heading towards it that we saw so it must have not long started! No one was on-site dealing with it. Video doesn't do it justice. It was massive." These vivid recollections underline the alarming situation fire crews are confronting this week.
The fire in Blisland was described as particularly concerning. As one local witness noted, "Video captured at the scene reveals an orange glow where the field was alight, with large clouds of smoke pluming from the blaze." Fire crews employed several vehicles, including two appliances from Bodmin and Lostwithiel, to bring the situation under control, utilizing beaters and a four-wheel drive pump to extinguish the flames.
Prior to these incidents, another fire broke out near St Keverne on March 16, engulfing about 50 acres of scrubland. The flames there were also thought to be suspicious, presumably linked to an act of arson. Emergency responders managed to contain the situation, stating, "Firefighters extinguished the fire totalling approximately 50 acres in size using beaters. The fire is now extinguished, and the cause is believed to be arson; the police have been informed." This growing number of suspected arson cases has triggered alarm bells among local residents and authorities alike.
According to a spokesperson for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, the incident on March 20 involved even larger flames — a fire front stretching over 1 km (0.62 miles) — reported on Rosenannon Downs near St Columb. The call came in just after 7:30 PM GMT, leading to the dispatch of seven engines and four Land Rovers to manage the situation. The spokesperson commented, "The fire has a front of over 1,000m and is being managed by the fire service. The fire is being allowed to burn to natural breaks." Social media users quickly shared footage of the fire's glow, clearly visible across the area, adding to the concern over the ongoing series of fires.
The cascading series of gorse fires has raised significant alarms within communities in Cornwall, emphasizing the necessity of addressing fire safety measures significantly. What is particularly disconcerting is the potential for human involvement in these blazes, with multiple investigations now ongoing concerning suspected arson. Devon and Cornwall Police have been alerted regarding these incidents, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
The community's response has been one of vigilance, with residents being urged to monitor their surroundings during heightened fire conditions. Given that the region's dry spells can often exacerbate fire risks, public awareness initiatives aimed at preventing such fires are more crucial than ever.
As Cornwall grapples with these unsettling environmental challenges, the dedication of the fire service teams remains evident. They continue to respond promptly and effectively to these dangerous emergencies despite being stretched thin by the repeated crises over a short span of time. The local authorities have called for community cooperation to keep an eye out for suspicious activities as the investigations into these fires progress.
Amidst the ongoing concerns over fire safety, it remains imperative for individuals and community organizations to engage in preventative efforts. Educating the public on safe practices around open flames and bonfires during dry seasons will be key in reducing the frequency of such devastating incidents.
In conclusion, the steady rise in gorse fires, with the ominous cloud of suspected arson looming, calls for heightened awareness and preventive measures. As Cornwall's natural beauty faces the risk of destruction, a collective community effort to safeguard it will be critical in the coming days.
