A major wildfire is burning across Dartmoor this evening, now measuring approximately 3km in length and 1.5km in width.
The fire has triggered a large scale emergency response, and fire crews are urging the public to stay away from the area.
Despite the risks, some campers have refused to leave the moor. Multiple fire appliances have been dispatched, including crews from Okehampton, Hatherleigh, North Tawton, Danes Castle, Bovey Tracey, Middlemoor Tavistock, and more.
Firefighters are using All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to navigate difficult terrain and assess the growing fire front. Dartmoor rangers are also supporting efforts on the ground.
A helicopter from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) is helping the fire service by giving a view from above, so crews can see how big the fire is and where it’s spreading.
Crews are expected to work throughout the night to monitor the fire. Relief teams, a welfare unit and an Incident Command Unit are now in place.
Live updates will appear in the feed below:
