Stroud house fire LIVE: Boxing Day horror as 3 ‘unaccounted for’ | UK | News

The Stroud inferno broke out just hours after Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue were called to a series of fires on Exmoor. Crews from eight stations across both counties were deployed to deal with the incidents, disrupting emergency responders on Christmas Day.

The fires ignited in bushland opposite the common area, with firefighters battling the flames throughout the afternoon and evening of December 25. Crews remained on scene throughout the night and eventually extinguished the fire in the early hours of Boxing Day.

A spokesman for Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue said: “This is believed to be a deliberate firing.

“DSFRS spent most of Christmas Day dealing with a large bush fire near West Anstey on Exmoor.

“A team from Dulverton was mobilized to detect smoke coming from the ridge of West Anstey Common.

“Upon arrival, the crew confirmed the 60-foot fire front and requested a second pump.

“Over time this was increased to six pumps and a water carrier, as well as a number of specialist officers and two ATVs.

It is estimated that the fire was extinguished and the teams left the scene.