Falmouth railway fire prompts warning

A fire engine from Falmouth attended the scene in Hayman Way just before 7pm yesterday. On arrival the crew used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.

A spokesman said: "With temperatures soaring and dry conditions continuing in to next week there is an increased risk of fires.

"These fires can take hold at great speed and have a devastating effect. Fire crews across Cornwall have attended many fires due to these hot conditions.

"If you are thinking of having a controlled burn please consider waiting until the current weather conditions have subsided. Please feel free to contact the Critical Control Centre on 0203 162 2240 for advice on controlled burns and other fire safety issues."

There has been ten other recorded incidents fires involving hedges and gorse or "in the open" in the last six days, two of which took place yesterday in Bodmin and St Merryn, near Padstow.

The fire service offers the following tips:

• Never throw cigarette ends out of a car window - they could start a fire and ruin surrounding countryside.

• Don't leave bottles or glass in woodlands. Sunlight shining through glass can start a fire. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin.

• Make sure your barbeque site is flat and away from fences, trees and sheds.

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby, in case of emergencies.

• Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbeque to a depth of about 5 centimetres (2 inches).

• Never use petrol or paraffin to start, or revive your barbeque - use only barbeque fire lighters or starter fuel on cold coals.

• Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin - they could cause a fire

If you discover a fire:

• do not be tempted to investigate

• leave the area as quickly as possible and call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service

• do not return unless the fire and rescue service tells you that it is safe to do so.