Helston fire crew assist in major operation to control gorse blaze

Throughout today (5th), fire crews from across Cornwall have been working to control a major gorse fire in St Just.

Crews from St. Just, Penzance, St. Ives, Perranporth and Helston are still continuing (as of 17:30) to fight the flames which have been fanned by strong winds.

At around 7:40am reports were received of flames seen in the area of Bartinney, St Just.

One appliance and the L4P from St Just were mobilised immediately.

Once in attendance firefighters confirmed a fire front of approximately 200 metres.

Just past 1pm this afternoon more appliances were called in as the blaze escalated - as the smoke could be seen from the Lands End vicinity.

In the latest update, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said:

"A total of five appliances, two light support vehicles and a water carrier, crews are fighting a large fire on two separate fronts. A Group Manager is in overall charge of the incident."

More updates to follow when we have them.

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