Major fire continues to spread across Dartmoor

A large fire on Dartmoor has been burning overnight, with fire crews continuing to tackle a blaze measuring up to 3km wide.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service first received multiple 999 calls on Sunday afternoon (4 May), reporting a significant fire.

Fire control immediately mobilised crews from Okehampton, Hatherleigh and North Tawton, along with a water bowser from Danes Castle in Exeter and several support officers. Okehampton crews also deployed a 4x4 vehicle and an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

While en route, Hatherleigh firefighters reported large volumes of smoke and requested a second ATV, which was sent from Tavistock.

By 5.05pm, crews confirmed the fire front stretched around 1 mile and was spreading at roughly 1 metre per minute due to moderate winds. The terrain and limited access made firefighting efforts difficult.

As the incident escalated, further ATVs were dispatched from Bovey Tracey and Middlemoor in Exeter, and a drone unit was requested from the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) base.

At 5.30pm, the fire front was estimated at 1 to 2 miles long. Firefighters began relocating to improve access, with Dartmoor rangers on hand to assist. An incident command unit from Totnes was mobilised, supported by a crew from Buckfastleigh.

By 10.15pm, additional resources had been called in, including a 4x4 from Princetown, relief appliances from Chagford and Princetown, and a welfare unit from Ivybridge.

A helicopter from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) provided aerial support and confirmed the fire front had reached an estimated size of 3km by 1.4km.

Around midnight, two more fire appliances from Moretonhampstead and Yelverton were sent as part of a relief rotation, with crews maintaining a “watching brief” from two key positions. Wind conditions were helping to slow the spread of the fire.

By 8am this morning (5 May), fresh crews from Tavistock and Crediton had arrived to relieve overnight teams. A second command unit replaced the original ICU from Totnes. Two ATVs from Tavistock and Bovey Tracey were also remobilised following a multi-agency meeting.

The fire is still active and burning in the expected direction. Crews continue to monitor and respond to changing conditions on the ground.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed the incident is ongoing and further updates will be provided when available.