CREDITON firefighters were today, Saturday, July 11, to hold a car wash in aid of The Firefighters’ Charity.

Unfortunately, the car wash has been cancelled due to an operational incident.

A spokesperson for Crediton fire station said: “Crews have been mobilised to a wild woodland fire at Chudleigh which means we are unfortunately unable to go ahead with our proposed car wash.

“The Crediton 4x4 Ranger and crew has attended as well as a 4x4 Ranger from Middlemoor and a fire appliance from Bovey Tracey.

“In addition, a further two appliances have been requested to attend.”

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue has issued reminders to the public of fire risk as the UK’s third heat wave raises wildfire risk to Extreme.

Ian Donnovan, a wildfire specialist at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service: “Every year we see so many preventable wildfires caused by people lighting fires and BBQs in the countryside.

Wildfires can begin with just a spark, or a gust of wind blowing a BBQ flame. Wildfires can take many days to extinguish have an impact our wildlife, ecosystems, and local communities.

“Wildfires take resources away from other emergencies. Residents might remember the resource intensive fire at Woodbury Common in April 2017. That incident was attended by more than 200 firefighters and 30 fire engines (approximately a quarter of the entire fleet) to fight the fire.”

You can help to prevent wildfire by taking all your litter home and never lighting a fire or BBQ in the countryside. If you find a fire, do not try to tackle it yourself; move to safety and call 999.