Firefighters warning after 'super busy' heatwave

People have been urged to consider swapping their barbecue plans for a picnic as firefighters battle a "super busy period" during heatwave weather conditions.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue said its crews in the mid-Cornwall area, many of whom are work on an on-call basis rather than being full-time, had attended at least 148 open fires since the start of July.

Truro Community Fire Station added it had dealt with some "challenging shouts" during the heatwave which has dominated weather forecasts across the country.

Steve Swan, the service's group manager for mid-Cornwall, said there had been an increase in demand for resources and some of the incidents were "very resource intensive".

Swan said the fire service aimed to rotate its crews to "ensure their welfare needs are met" while keeping the public safe at the same time.

He added he wanted to thank the public for being "really vigilant".

However, Swan warned: "These dry conditions make it exceptionally easy for fires to start.

"The fire service doesn't want to be a spoil sport and stop people having barbecues, but it would be great if people could consider a picnic."

A Facebook post from Truro's on-call firefighters said the crews had tied with Bodmin as "the busiest watch in the county" with call outs to St Austell, Rejerrah and a large wildfire in St Just-in-Penwith.

The post added: "[It's been] A super busy period with some challenging shouts, great for morale but tough on our wives and partners.

"We thank you for your patience and putting up with how bad we stink after an all-nighter," the post said.

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