Avon Fire and Rescue Service was called to a blaze in woodland in Oldland Common last night (June 15).

Crews from Kingswood and Hicks Gate tackled the rubbish fire near Siston Brook, close to Fairway Close, at 8.46pm.

The fire service said the cause of the blaze was deliberate ignition.

Smoke from the fire could be seen for miles around with people posting images on social media and speculating where it was coming from.

People also reported hearing loud bangs.

Smoke from the fire could be seen across Oldland Common (Picture credit: Leanne Lydiate)

An Avon and Fire Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Crews from Kingswood and Hicks Gate were called to reports of smoke issuing at 20:46.

“On arrival, crews found a fire affecting a pile of rubbish within a wooded area. Using shovels and dirt, crews were able to smother the fire, extinguishing the blaze.

“The cause of the incident is thought to have been deliberate ignition.”

Avon and Fire Rescue arrived at Fairway Close in Oldland Common to deal with the fire last night

Latest figures from the Home Office show Avon Fire and Rescue Service was called to 9,360 incidents in the year up to September last year.

That was a drop of 12% compared to 10,618 call-outs in the same period the year before.

Avon and Fire Rescue service issues statement over fire in woodland in Oldland Common