Totnes fire crews were called to an open fire at Vire Island in Totnes on the evening of Thursday, September 3.

On arrival, crews located a fallen tree with a well-developed fire burning deep within the trunk and timber.

Because of the location of the incident and the restricted access, getting a conventional fire appliance and water supply close to the fire wasn't possible.

The Incident Commander therefore asked the crew to take the Light Portable Pump (LPP) and firefighting equipment down to the river.

Crews established a water supply by lifting water directly from the River Dart.

A hose line was then run from the pump to the fire, allowing firefighters to begin the initial attack and knock back the main body of fire.

With the visible fire extinguished, crews then turned their attention to the deeper-seated hotspots within the fallen tree.

Using small tools and axes, firefighters opened up sections of the timber to expose the areas still burning and smouldering internally, before applying further water to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

Despite the recent change in weather, the risk of fires in the open remains high.

Fortunately, crews were able to contain this incident before it escalated.

Had the fire spread from the tree into the surrounding vegetation, the outcome could have been very different.

The fire was suspected to be arson.

A spokesperson from Totnes fire station said: “Please continue to take care when enjoying our local outdoor spaces and report any fires or suspicious activity.”

Vire island is named after the French town twinned with Totnes.

It is a narrow, tree lined stretch of parkland with full public access, sitting snugly between the town and the main flow of the river.

It has been described as a quiet green haven with shady trees, peaceful river views, and a beautifully framed outlook at the tip.

A narrow channel of water divides the island from The Plains.