The Pembrokeshire fire service arrived on Ramsey just after 9:30 this morning following reports of smoke rising from the island’s Grade II listed farmhouse. Firemen were rushed to the island on the St Davids all-weather lifeboat ‘Norah Wortley’.
Using water pumped from the old mill pond, firemen were able to avert disaster, saving the old stone buildings before they were razed to the ground.
Local fisherman Ivor Pollock who was passing Ramsey at approximately 9 am says he “saw a black bird carrying what looked like a lit cigar in its beak”. He later commented that he had to rub his eyes and look twice “it was a sight almost too unbelievable to be true” he chortled.
It is thought that one of Ramsey’s mischievous Chough may have been the culprit. These shiny black birds are members of the crow family, with a red down-turned bill and blood red legs. Resident RSPB Warden Dewi Morgan said “chough have had a reputation as ‘fire-starters’ since the 17 Century when they were reputed to carry smouldering firewood in their bills. When they pushed the wood into a thatched roof during nest building they could create mayhem”. This is the origin for the chough’s scientific name Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, “it literally means fire-raven” said the RSPB.
Fire Service spokesman Rex Tinguisher praised the courage of his men and said he was pleased to see that fire contingency plans for Ramsey had been implemented successfully. He added “This is the first case of a chough staring a fire that we have ever heard of!”
Rose Pipe, RNLI media officer said they were “just glad to be of service” and commented that it was good practice for the lifeboat crew at getting personnel and equipment onto the island in an emergency.