A MAJOR incident has been declared near a Cornish beauty spot after a serious barn fire involving fuel and chemicals.

Firefighters were called to Westhead Road at Rame at 1.39pm after several 999 calls were received stating that there was a barn fire.

Fire crews from Torpoint and Saltash were initially sent to the scene. On arrival, they confirmed that the barn was well alight and that fuel was also involved, and nearby properties were evacuated.

Further crews came from Looe, Liskeard and Camels Head, along with specialist vehicles from Liskeard, Launceston and Plympton.

The barn, measuring 40 metres by 30 metres, was well alight, including a quantity of fuel and gas cylinders, some of which had exploded.

No casualties have been reported and firefighters are working hard to prevent the fire spreading to fertiliser that is stored nearby.

Due to the rural nature of the area, roads have been closed to allow access for emergency vehicles and members of the public have been asked to stay clear.