Cornwall Burning In The Heat

It's late afternoon and the full power of the sun is hitting Cornwall.  I had just suffered walking up Carn Brae in the dry heat to scout out my route to photograph some of the tin mines when something caught my attention. On the horizon cutting through the the clear blue sky and the sun is what could almost appear to be a Volcano pouring a hot plume of smoke high into the sky.

I finish my walk looping back to the car and decide to pay it a visit once grabbing some food for dinner. On arriving at St.Agnes my plan was to photograph the sunset with one of the local tin mines. The road was shut off and the Police advised that it was blocked by fire engines battling the blaze. Instead I took a chance and drove down to Chapel Porth. I prepared for another steep climb and loaded all the equipment and drink into my rucksack before leaving the car and heading up the coast path.

The wind had changed direction and the smoke now appeared to be heading out to sea but in my mind I knew this also meant it was now turning on the firefighters and causing them some issue again. I finally made it up past Wheal Coates and was met by a blaze of fire, busy firefighters and air support.

According to the Cornwall Live website the outbreak started at about 3pm and by the time I was stood there after 6pm the fire had covered more than the equivalent of eight football pitches.
Crews from all over the County were called to attend with more than 45 firefighters helping to control the corse of the burn.

I take my hat off to all those involved to help put this out. Not only do they deserve our respect and thanks for fighting fires that goes without saying. But I honestly cannot imagine a worse day than a scorching hot afternoon to dress in dark firefighting overalls like boiler-suits and carry equipment up a hill to tackle a fire.