Cause of Dartmoor wildfire still unknown after blaze scorches moorland

The cause of a wildfire that swept across central Dartmoor over the bank holiday weekend remains unknown, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed.

The blaze, which began on Sunday 4 May, was fully extinguished by 5pm on Monday (May 5) after burning through 1,230 acres of vital habitat.

While some reports suggested that as much as 12,500 acres were affected, the fire service has confirmed that this figure is incorrect.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: “We conducted a full perimeter check to confirm no remaining hot spots before control was handed to Dartmoor Rangers.”

The response was a major joint effort involving fire crews, local farmers, commoners, and Dartmoor National Park rangers. 

Specialist equipment, including argo cats, fogging units, leaf blowers, and drones, was used to tackle several active fire fronts.

Although the cause remains unknown, officials are urging the public not to light outdoor fires and to ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished, due to the ongoing dry conditions.

Video credit: James Warner, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service