Roadside grass and hedgerows were alight
Olivier Vergnault Senior Reporter
20:58, 17 Aug 2025
A fire engine at Porthtowan providing cover for the West of England Steam Engine Society Rally at Stithians(Image: Tolvaddon Community Fire Station)
Steam engines were blamed for sparking a number of fires. Fire crews tackled grass, woodland and hedge blazes – with the majority sparked by steam locomotives from the West of England Steam Engine Society Rally at Stithians in Cornwall.
At 4.30pm Falmouth firefighters attended a hedgerow fire at Pengreep near Ponsanooth, which was ignited by a passing steam engine.
The same locomotive triggered a comparable hedgerow fire in St Day moments later and once again in Crofthandy near St Day where grassland caught alight. Another incident occurred an hour later at Chacewater Hill in Chacewater where approximately 15 metres of hedgerow caught fire and required attention from crews from Tolvaddon, Camborne.
At 6.15pm, it was 20 metres of grass along the Old A30 at Fourbarrows that was ablaze due to the passing steam engine. Once again the crew from Tolvaddon put it out.
The fire service spokesperson added: “Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service have picked up a number of calls over the weekend for out of control bonfires, camp fires that have been started then left unattended, and wildfires. These are being made more challenging due to the dry ground and gusty winds.
“We are asking people to support us by reminding the public to avoid lighting open fires. having bonfires, and BBQ’s – especially disposable ones. Ensuring cigarettes are fully extinguished and to be more vigilant.
“If you see a fire, please report it to the Fire Service immediately by calling 999, also providing the What3Words for the location will assist crews to locate the incident.”