Fire teams from multiple stations in South Devon spent several hours tackling a large, deliberately started fire that raced along the cliff face above Oddicombe Beach late on Friday evening (24 July). The incident, attended by crews including a unit from Newton Abbot, prompted a public warning from firefighters about a rise in arson-related occurrences across the local area.
Challenging access and water supply
A Newton Abbot appliance was initially called to Torquay fire station for standby duties at about 10pm but was then mobilised as part of a broader assistance request after reports of a large open fire at Oddicombe. On arrival, crews found flames had spread quickly through dense cliff-side vegetation and multiple neighbouring stations were already engaged in firefighting efforts.
Limited access to the burning area meant teams relied heavily on water drawn directly from the sea. Firefighters laid long hose lines through the scrub and used manoeuvrable hose reels attached to the main supply to reach the fire’s leading edges.
- Initial mobilisation: Newton Abbot crew alerted at c.10pm on 24 July
- Tactics: use of natural firebreaks, hose lines through dense vegetation, and sea-water pumping via a Light Portable Pump
- Outcome: blaze contained and extinguished after several hours of coordinated effort
Fire service issues stark warning
Local crews described the operation as a tough and taxing response. The Newton Abbot station said the incident was “a hard, arduous incident that was fought effectively and efficiently utilising team work between varying stations and crews”.
“Crews in the local area have unfortunately seen a sudden spike in arson related incidents. Not only are these fires often resource intensive, they present a significant danger to property, the public and firefighters alike.”
The fire station’s account detailed how crews used a path as a natural fire break – referring to it as a ‘line in the sand’ – to try to halt the fire’s progress. Teams first managed “10 lengths of 51mm hose” through the vegetation before splitting the supply to create two more agile delivery points.
Local impact and safety reminders
For Torquay, incidents of this nature have several immediate consequences: risk to walkers and beach-goers, potential damage to the coastal environment, and the diversion of emergency resources that might otherwise respond to other calls. Taking water from the sea via portable pumps is an effective tactic on this stretch of coastline but places heavy operational demands on personnel and equipment.
Firefighters’ appeals following the incident underline the serious nature of deliberate fires. The force highlighted that arson is both taxing on manpower and dangerous to everyone in the vicinity – the public and crews alike. No further details about arrests or suspects have been published by the fire service in connection with this event.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Oddicombe Beach, Torquay |
| Date & time | Evening of 24 July, circa 10pm (initial alert) |
| Key tactics | Natural firebreaks, long hose lays through vegetation, sea-water pumping |
| Result | Fire contained and extinguished after several hours |
Torbay’s coastline is a treasured asset for residents and visitors; episodes like this are a stark reminder that the cliff-top scrub and grassy slopes, lovely in dry weather, can become hazardous tinder. As the summer continues, the fire service’s message is clear: if people see suspicious activity or evidence of deliberate ignition, they should report it promptly so crews can intervene quickly and investigations can proceed.
The coordinated response at Oddicombe demonstrated the close working between neighbouring stations across South Devon and the practical challenges of tackling wildland fires on steep coastal terrain. For those who use Torquay’s beaches and cliff paths, it is a moment to be vigilant, heed any local warnings and help protect the coast that defines this corner of the South West.
