FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze in Dartmoor, Devon, for over 24 hours after wildfire destroys around 1,230 acres of moorland.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service alongside other emergency services took multiple calls to a large fire on Dartmoor at around 2.26pm on Sunday.
Fire control immediately sent three fire appliances from Okehampton, Hatherleigh and North Tawton, one Water Bowser from Danes Castle (Exeter), a Wildlife Support Officer and another supporting officer.
As Okehampton was heading to the scene, the decision was made to send their 4X4 vehicle and All Terrain Vehicle (ATV).
Whilst on route to the incident, crews confirmed large amounts of smoke issuing from the moor and requested a second all-terrain vehicle to be sent from Tavistock Fire Station.
Once more fire appliances arrived, crews proceeded towards the fire utilising an all-terrain vehicle to gain a better view of the fire.
Whilst making these observations the incident command sent an assistance request to fire control requesting a further two all-terrain vehicles from Bovey Tracey and Middlemoor (Exeter). Requests were also made for a drone to attend.
In the end four more fire engines were sent to the scene from Moretonhampstead and Yelverton, Tavistock and Crediton.
Overall, the following attending stations were sent to battle the blaze:
Okehampton, Hatherleigh, North Tawton, Danes Castle, Tavistock, Bovey Tracey, Middlemoor, Buckfastleigh, Totnes, Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), Princetown, Ivybridge, Chagford, Moretonhampstead, Yelverton, Crediton, Honiton, Lynton.
At around 11am on May 5, a multi-agency meeting has taken place between Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, and the Dartmoor Rangers to establish a course of action moving forward.
By 1.40 on May 5 all fire fronts were extinguished. Fire resources, Dartmoor Commoners and Rangers all withdrew.
By 5.06pm on May 5 it was confirmed that all hotspots were cooled down, the fire was fully out and approximately 12,500 acres of moorland was destroyed by fire.
A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “Approximately 12,500 acres of moorland destroyed by fire.
“Crews [were] assisted by Dartmoor rangers and Commoners using firefighting equipment.
“Crews used five Argo Cat vehicles, fogging units, leaf blowers and a drone for environmental protection. The fire is out.”
The total amount of destruction was later corrected by a spokesperson and said to be around 1,230 acres.
Dartmoor rangers revisited the site today (May 6) for final checks.
A spokesperson for Dartmoor National Park said: "This bank holiday weekend a significant wildfire broke out on central Dartmoor.
"Thanks to the hard work of teams on the ground it has now been extinguished. However, significant damage has been done and there is concern for wildlife in the affected area."
