Wildfire on Dartmoor burns 5,000 hectares, emergency response continues

A wildfire has destroyed approximately 5,000 hectares of moorland in Dartmoor, Devon, according to The Guardian.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called to the scene at about 2.25pm on Sunday.

Firefighters remained at the location for nearly 24 hours before the fire was extinguished on Monday.

Emergency response included specialist vehicles and local support

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service reported that the fire covered around 12,500 acres of moorland.

Crews worked alongside Dartmoor rangers and Commoners, using specialist equipment to limit environmental damage.

According to the service’s update on X, resources included five Argo Cat vehicles, fogging units, leaf blowers and a drone.

Simon Young, Area Manager for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, told the BBC: “Wildfires are always challenging because they are inaccessible for our appliances to go on to our moorland.”

Simon Young added: “It makes it very difficult, but we have specialist vehicles to make sure we have capability to get on to the moor and make sure we can do the job as safely as possible.”

Simon Young continued: “The wind has really played its part and we are currently under amber wildfire conditions nationally for the next three to four days.”

Simon Young stated: “We know the conditions are very dry under foot and with the wind it has just exacerbated it.”

Increased fire risk across the UK due to dry conditions

The Guardian reported that the start of May has been the warmest on record in the UK.

A temperature of 29.3C was recorded at Kew Gardens in London last Thursday.

Firefighters were also called to a separate 1.6 mile (2km) moorland fire on the same day near Ripponden, West Yorkshire.

The National Fire Chiefs Council stated that fire and rescue services had responded to 439 wildfires between 1 January and 1 May 2025.

In comparison, 250 were recorded in the same period in 2022, 60 in 2023 and 44 in 2024.

Fire authorities advise public caution as dry weather continues

Dartmoor National Park posted an image of the wildfire to X on Monday morning.

It stated: “The dry weather has left Dartmoor highly vulnerable to fire. Please don’t light BBQs or fires.”

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service warned that the fire’s behaviour could remain unpredictable due to shifting weather patterns.

The public was asked to stay away from the Merrivale and Okehampton areas while response efforts continued.

In a separate incident, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service responded to a fire in the open on Turfhill, Lightwater in Surrey Heath on Monday.

The fire covered an area of 1.6 hectares and was reported at approximately 12.45pm.

Dartmoor wildfire response amid record UK temperatures: Summary

A wildfire destroyed approximately 5,000 hectares of moorland in Dartmoor, Devon.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service responded to the fire on Sunday at 2.25pm.

Firefighters remained on site for nearly 24 hours.

The fire was extinguished on Monday.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service reported that 12,500 acres were affected.

Crews were supported by Dartmoor rangers and Commoners.

Equipment used included Argo Cat vehicles, fogging units, and a drone.

Dry weather and wind conditions worsened the fire’s spread.

The UK recorded 29.3C at Kew Gardens, the hottest start to May on record.

A separate fire occurred on the same day in Ripponden, West Yorkshire.

The National Fire Chiefs Council recorded 439 wildfires between January and May 2025.

Dartmoor National Park advised against lighting BBQs or fires.

Authorities asked the public to avoid affected areas in Dartmoor.

A separate 1.6 hectare fire occurred in Lightwater, Surrey on Monday.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service responded to the incident at 12.45pm.