FIRE crews were called to tackle a large gorse fire on Goonhilly Downs yesterday afternoon with smoke being seen all the way from Helston.

The St Keverne crew was the first on the scene but soon had to call for back up from Mullion and Helston stations.

Falmouth Packet:

They used natural fire breaks and beaters to put out the flames and managed to put out the blaze by around 7pm.

READ NEXT:

Invitation to line streets to pay tribute to much-loved Helston veg seller

Posting on its Facebook page the St Keverne station said: "Yesterday afternoon the crew received a call regarding a large gorse fire in the Goonhilly area.

Falmouth Packet:

"When on scene a make-up message was sent via critical control to make pumps 3 and L4P 2 so two further major appliances were mobilised from Mullion and Helston and a L4P from Mullion. Crews used natural fire breaks and beaters to extinguish the flames. The incident was closed down and crews returned to their home stations just before 19:00."

Falmouth Packet:

Sarah Henn posted on Facebook: "It was a great pall of smoke. You could see it from Helston."

Cornwall fire control said: "Critical Control received a call at 16:05 regarding smoke seen coming from the area of Ruan Minor.

"One appliance from Mullion was mobilised to the incident. On arrival firefighters made pumps three, due to approximately two hectares of high gorse alight.

"Helston and St Keverne were additionally mobilised. Crew used beaters to extinguish the fire and are currently monitoring for hot spots."