Major gorse fire scorches Woodbury Common

The fire at Woodbury Common near Exeter this weekend produced a type of cloud that has only recently been recognised by the World Meteorological Organisation.

The cloud type known as cumulus flammagenitus is caused when smoke from a fire helps cloud formation.

A road which was closed for over 12 hours after amajor gorse fire broke out in Devon has now reopened.

The B3180 was initially closed in both directions between the A3052 and Woodbury.

Emergency services worked overnight to contain the fire.

A major gorse fire in Devon had closed a road near the scene.

The B3180 is closed between Four Firs and Halfway Inn on the A3052.

More that 20 fire engines were called to the scene on Woodbury Common yesterday afternoon.

Smoke could be seen for miles across Exeter and Haldon Hill.

One firefighter was taken to hospital, and several others needed medical treatment at the scene as they tackled the fire.