Cause of Dartmoor fire under investigation

The cause of a major wildfire on Dartmoor remains under investigation after fire crews from across Devon spent more than 24 hours tackling a large blaze near Cut Hill.

The fire, which broke out on the afternoon of Sunday 4 May, spread rapidly. At its peak, the fire front measured approximately 3km by 1.4km, prompting a major emergency response involving 18 fire stations, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and aerial support from the National Police Air Service.

By Monday afternoon (5 May), Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all visible fire fronts had been extinguished, with drone teams deployed to monitor for hotspots.

A multi-agency meeting between the fire service, police, Dartmoor Rangers and Dartmoor Commoners has taken place to plan the next steps.

The public has been asked to stay away from the Merrivale and Okehampton areas while fire crews continue to monitor the site.

Dartmoor National Park Authority issued a warning to visitors, stating: “The dry weather has left Dartmoor highly vulnerable to fire. Please don't light BBQs or fires on the moor.”

Firefighters and local rangers have thanked Dartmoor Commoners for their support during the incident.

Further updates will be provided once more information is available on the cause of the fire.