A wildfire that broke out on Dartmoor, Devon, on Sunday afternoon has destroyed approximately 12,500 acres of moorland, in one of the most extensive blazes the area has seen in recent years.
According to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the fire began around 14:30 BST and was extinguished by Monday evening following a near 24-hour emergency operation.
The incident occurred during what meteorologists confirm is the warmest start to May on record in the UK, with temperatures reaching 29.3°C in parts of the country.
Specialist Response as Fire Stretches Over Vast Moorland Terrain
At its peak, the wildfire stretched across a 3km by 1.4km area near Cut Hill, requiring a coordinated response from 13 fire stations and various specialist teams. According to the fire service, crews utilized Argo Cat vehicles, fogging units, leaf blowers and a drone team to locate and suppress active fire fronts.
The operation was complicated by the inaccessibility of the terrain, which made it difficult for standard firefighting appliances to reach the affected zone.
Simon Young, area manager for Devon, described wildfires on the moor as “always challenging” due to the nature of the land. He explained that specialist off-road vehicles were necessary “to make sure we have capability to get onto the moor and make sure we can do the job as safely as possible.”
The fire also triggered the involvement of Dartmoor Rangers, commoners, and wildlife support officers, who joined efforts to protect local habitats. A police helicopter supported the effort, confirming there were no injuries or missing persons.
Residents and tourists were urged to avoid the area, particularly near Merrivale and the Okehampton range, due to visibility concerns and ongoing hotspot monitoring.
Heightened Fire Risk Highlights Growing Environmental Concern
The scale of the Dartmoor fire coincides with a broader rise in wildfire incidents across the UK. According to the National Fire Chiefs Council, 439 wildfires have been recorded since 1 January, a significant increase compared to 250 in 2022, 60 in 2023, and just 44 in 2024.
Simon Lee, head ranger at Dartmoor National Park, warned of “significant damage” to both wildlife and moorland infrastructure. He urged the public to stay away from the burned area and avoid activities like lighting barbecues that could risk reignition, especially during the ongoing amber wildfire alert.
Authorities reiterated their call for public vigilance, noting that while the fire is now extinguished, Dartmoor remains highly vulnerable due to dry vegetation and forecasted wind. Rangers are expected to conduct further inspections to assess environmental impact and ensure full containment.
