The cause of the enormous fire that has ravaged a North Devon beauty spot for days has been confirmed.

The fire at Baggy Point near Croyde started on Monday afternoon (August 29) and burned for two days, being confirmed as finally out only at 9pm last night (Wednesday)

This afternoon the fire service confirmed that the fire had been started by a disposable barbecue.

South West Farmer: It was started by a disposable barbecue. Picture: Barnstaple Fire StationIt was started by a disposable barbecue. Picture: Barnstaple Fire Station

Around 20 acres of gorse have been destroyed by the fire, which at its peak, held a 200 metre fire front driven by high winds.

It took the combined hard and relentless work of 12 fire crews to bring it under control and finally extinguish it.

Hose reel jets and specialist vehicles were used to prevent the fire from spreading.

South West Farmer: The fire burnt for two days. Picture: Barnstaple Fire StationThe fire burnt for two days. Picture: Barnstaple Fire Station

On Tuesday morning firefighters were continuing to dampen down hotspots using water packs and beaters.

By 9pm last night firefighters could finally leave the headland.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "We have seen too many incidents like this over the summer. The safest place for a BBQ is in your garden, away from anything flammable."

The fire crews that worked so hard on the headland this week were Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Appledore, Bideford, Braunton, Combe Martin, Lynton, South Molton, Woolacombe, Bampton, Tiverton and Witheridge.