Torrington and Bideford firemen were occupied for about two hours

on Sunday evening in dealing with a fire in woodland and thick undergrowth on a steep hillside near Riverdale, Weare Giffard.

Approximately 10 acres were damaged.

Fanned by a wind, the fire blazed intensely for a while, but fortunately did not spread in the path of houses.

The main Bideford-Torrington road provided a grandstand view for many people.

The smoke could be seen rising from the river valley from high points a long way round.

Using beaters and hosereels coupled to water tanks refilled from the public mains the firemen quelled the outbreak after some strenuous work uphill.

Quite a number of wild rabbits fled from the fire.

Gazette article dated 14 July 1961