Fire alert near famous Devon work of art

Fire crews attended a blaze near a Devon church and a famous work of art. Firefighters were dispatched to deal with the incident at Lantern Hill, Ilfracombe, last night.

A fire engine from Ilfracombe Fire Station found rubbish on fire in the car park near the Chapel of St Nicholas. The area is also close to the famous Damien Hirst statue Verity.

Alarmed residents took to social media to warn people about the fire. One posted: “There appears to be a fire alight on the pathway going up towards the chapel.”

Another said: I have contacted the fire brigade (sic) and they have had a lot of calls about this.”

A third said: “Looks like a fire near St Nicholas Chapel. A safe distance from the building - I hope everyone is OK. Been reported. Fire Crews have just arrived.”

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “At 8.58pm on November 22, an appliance from Ilfracombe Fire Station attended the car park near Lantern Hill in Ilfracombe where a small pile of rubbish had been set on fire. The fire was quickly extinguished and the crew left the scene 16 minutes after arrival.”