A vast wildfire has scorched approximately 12,500 acres of moorland on Dartmoor, prompting a large-scale response from fire crews. Emergency services were alerted to the blaze near Merrivale and Okehampton around 2:25 PM on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly 24 hours before finally extinguishing the fire on Monday, May 5, 2025. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service cautioned the public to avoid the affected areas, warning that the fire's behavior could be "unpredictable" due to changing weather conditions.
At its peak, the blaze stretched across an area measuring approximately 3 kilometers by 1.4 kilometers, and crews from 13 stations were deployed to the Dartmoor Forest area near Cut Hill. Wildlife support officers and a police helicopter were also deployed, confirming that there were no concerns about injuries or missing people.
According to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), as of 9 AM on May 1, fire and rescue services have responded to 439 wildfires since January 1, 2025. This number is significantly higher than previous years, with only 250 in the same period in 2022, 60 in 2023, and just 44 in 2024. The increased number of wildfires correlates with the UK experiencing the warmest start to May on record, with temperatures reaching 29.3°C at Kew Gardens on May 1.
Firefighters used a range of equipment to combat the flames, including five Argo Cat vehicles, fogging units, leaf blowers, and a drone. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service posted an update on social media stating, "Approximately 12,500 acres of moorland were destroyed by fire. Crews assisted by Dartmoor rangers and Commoners using firefighting equipment attempted to extinguish the fire to protect the environment. The fire is currently under control and measuring approximately 2 hectares. Please avoid the area as there is heavy smoke."
Simon Young, the area manager for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, explained the challenges faced by firefighters, stating, "Wildfires are always challenging because they are inaccessible for our appliances to go onto our moorland. It makes it very difficult, but we have specialist vehicles to ensure we can do the job as safely as possible. The wind has really played its part, and we are currently under amber wildfire conditions nationally for the next three to four days. We know the conditions are very dry underfoot, and with the wind, it has just exacerbated it."
Meanwhile, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service was called to a separate fire in the open at about 12:45 PM on Monday, May 5, on Turfhill, Lightwater in Surrey Heath. People were asked to avoid the area during the afternoon due to heavy smoke as firefighters tackled the four-acre blaze.
As the situation unfolded, Dartmoor National Park officials urged visitors to stay away from the affected areas and refrain from lighting barbecues or fires, emphasizing that the dry weather has left Dartmoor highly vulnerable to fire. Head Ranger Simon Lee expressed concern about the significant damage caused by the fire and the potential impact on wildlife. He noted, "Let us and the emergency services do their work and not be tempted to have a look. The fire has caused significant damage, and we advise everyone to stay away from the area."
In a statement, Dartmoor National Park warned, "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."
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, officials are working to assess the damage and monitor for any hot spots. Drone teams and all-terrain vehicles were deployed to check for lingering embers and ensure that the fire was completely out. Dartmoor Rangers are expected to revisit the site on Tuesday, May 6, to further evaluate the situation.
The fire serves as a stark reminder of the increasing risk of wildfires in the UK, particularly during warmer months. The NFCC has been actively monitoring wildfire incidents and encouraging the public to take precautions, such as not using barbecues in vulnerable areas and reporting any signs of fire immediately.
As communities begin to recover from the devastation, the importance of fire safety and awareness remains paramount. With changing weather patterns and rising temperatures, experts warn that the risk of wildfires may continue to grow, necessitating ongoing vigilance from both authorities and the public.
In the face of such challenges, local fire services and park authorities are committed to protecting the environment and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike. As the situation stabilizes, updates will be provided to keep the public informed about any further developments related to the Dartmoor wildfire.
