Large Dartmoor fire was started deliberately

Firefighters were battling the blaze near Dunnabridge overnight

Author: Chris BakerPublished 6th Apr 2021

A large gorse fire on Dartmoor overnight (5 April), was started deliberately.

Crews from Yelvertron, Tavistock and Plympton battled the blaze near Dunnabridge.

Firefighters have confirmed police were also in attendance, and are treating it as arson.

The fire was about by 3.50am (6 April).

In a statement, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service said:

"One fire engine from Yelverton was originally sent to a report of a hedge fire on the side of the road on Dartmoor.

"On arrival crews confirmed this was a large gorse fire that was well alight and requested further assistance. Two fire crews from Tavistock and a water bowser from Plympton were also sent.

"Crews used low pressure hose reel jets and allowed the fire burn out to a natural fire break to extinguish the fire.

"The cause of the fire was deliberate and the Police were also in attendance."