Fire rips through Decoy Woods in Newton Abbot(Image: Newton Abbot Fire Station)

Dramatic aftermath of deliberate fire at Devon beauty spot

by · DevonLive

Dramatic photos show the fire service in action during a suspected arson fire in Newton Abbot.

Fire crews were called to the woodland fire off Decoy Lane in Newton Abbot, just after 4pm on Monday, August 3.

Firefighters found roughly 20 square metres of “dense woodland” involved in the fire. Several Newton Abbot residents reported smelling smoke in the area.

Newton Abbot Fire Station have posted photos of the fire crews as they worked to extinguish the blaze.

Describing the incident as ‘arduous’, the fire station said accessing the fire was difficult due to the location.

A spokesperson for Newton Abbot Fire Station said: “Yesterday afternoon, one crew from Newton Abbot Fire Station was mobilised to reports of a fire in the open within Decoy woods.

“Upon our arrival, the crew discovered a large area of woodland well alight, with flames spreading deeper into the woods.

“The IC (Incident Commander) made the decision to "make up" for an additional appliance which also came from Newton Abbot as well as a Water Bowser from Torquay Fire Station.

“Due to the difficult access, the IC also requested the ArgoCat ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) from Bovey Tracey Fire Station to attend.

“Crews worked hard in difficult conditions to fight the fire through dense woodland in order to contain the flames. Crews used a misting unit from the a ATV, multiple beaters, axes and a main attack line that consisted of 5 lengths of 51mm hose (25 meters in length each) into 2 full hose reel jets (54 meters in length each) to extinguish the fire.

“Another arduous incident where crews from multiple stations worked well together to bring an incident to a safe close in an efficient manner.”

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service confirmed they believe the fire was started on purpose.

Fire rips through Decoy Woods in Newton Abbot(Image: Newton Abbot Fire Station)
Fire rips through Decoy Woods in Newton Abbot(Image: Newton Abbot Fire Station)
Fire rips through Decoy Woods in Newton Abbot(Image: Newton Abbot Fire Station)
Fire rips through Decoy Woods in Newton Abbot(Image: Newton Abbot Fire Station)
Fire rips through Decoy Woods in Newton Abbot(Image: Newton Abbot Fire Station)