Fire warning for Dartmoor as weekend risk hits ‘very high’

Dartmoor National Park Authority has issued a high fire risk warning ahead of this weekend, urging visitors to take extra care as dry and sunny weather increases the risk of wildfires.

The Fire Severity Index currently rates the fire danger on Dartmoor as ‘high’ for Friday 9 May, rising to ‘very high’ on Saturday 10 May, with large areas expected to remain at ‘high’ risk on Sunday.

The alert follows a major fire last weekend, which burned across 1,232 acres of central Dartmoor. Dartmoor Rangers and Commoners worked alongside Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to bring the blaze under control.

An investigation into the cause is ongoing.

Visitors are now being urged to follow simple fire safety rules:

• Do not light open fires or use barbecues, including disposable or portable ones

• Take all litter home, especially glass bottles that can start fires in the sun

• Observe all advisory notices and warning signs

• Respect the National Park’s byelaws

Head Ranger Simon Lee said: “We’re asking everyone to stay safe and respect Dartmoor. Leaving barbecues at home, disposing of glass bottles and cigarettes responsibly and taking all litter home are simple actions but will help prevent the risk of a fire breaking out.”

The warning comes at a critical time for the park’s wildlife, as ground-nesting birds such as skylarks and meadow pipits begin laying eggs, and reptiles like adders and lizards emerge from hibernation. Wildfires not only pose a threat to nature but also stretch emergency services and impact local farmers.

Signs across the National Park have been updated to reflect the elevated fire risk and Rangers will be patrolling throughout the weekend to promote safety and reinforce the Ranger Code.

The Ten Tors event, taking place this weekend, will go ahead with robust contingency plans, including weather monitoring and routes that avoid sensitive wildlife areas.