Sidmouth crews not hurt in Woodbury Common fire
Aerial view of Woodbury Common fire by National Police Air Service Exeter - Credit: Archant
Sidmouth fire fighters were not among those hurt in a massive blaze on Woodbury Common, it has been confirmed.
Both of the town’s pumps were among the first on the scene after the gorse fire was reported at 2pm yesterday (Sunday, April 23).
Twenty crews from across Devon and Somerset attended and the rescue service’s chief fire officer, Lee Howell, said ‘a number of firefighters’ were injured through smoke inhalation and that one has been burnt.
Writing on Facebook, a spokesman for the Sidmouth crews said: “Your pumps were some of the first on scene and had very difficult conditions to deal with.
“The wind was driving the fire towards the crews who had to keep moving while fire fighting.
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“The main objective was to stop fire spread and to keep the fire from jumping the fire breaks.
“There were a number of fire fighters who, while carrying out their duty, suffered from smoke inhalation and burns.
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“While these firefighters are not from Sidmouth, they are our friends and colleagues, we wish them a speedy recovery.
“We would like to thank you all for your kind messages and concern.”
Crews tackling the blaze were using 15 Hose Reel Jets, eight Breathing Apparatus, one high volume pump, Specialist 4x4 vehicles and 10 Beaters.
