Dartmoor fire started 'accidentally'

The fire on Dartmoor - that damaged six square kilometres of moorland - was started accidentally by a member of the public.

The blaze near Peter Tavey took crews over 12 hours to put out and huge flames could be seen from Plymouth and Cornwall at the time.

Initially, teams could not tackle the fire due to severe weather conditions.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are now warning the public not travel to the moors unless it is an 'essential journey'.

A spokesperson has issued this statement:

"We can confirm that the fire on Dartmoor (near Peter Tavy) on 11 February was caused accidentally by a member of the public. The fire damaged six square kilometres of moorland in total.

"Although its winter, wildfires can spread very quickly to a large area, so avoid using any naked flames on the moors, including camp fires and BBQs. Please take great care with cigarettes. Wildfires don’t just happen in the summer. We go to twice as many moorland fires in the three months of February-April (inclusive) than we do for the rest of the year.

"We would like to remind everyone not to travel to the moors unless it is an essential journey."

They are reminding the public of the simple steps to take if you spot a wildfire:

If you are outside:

• Stay calm

• Ensure you are in a safe location (away from vegetation and smoke). If you are in your car, close all windows and vents

• Call 999 and inform us of your location – you can use the What3Words app.

If you are at home:

• Stay calm

• Put yourself in a place of safety. Do not try to put out the fire yourself

• Keep doors and windows closed, but unlocked

• Call 999 and inform us of your location

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