Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service firefighters were on the scene of a “serious” fire between Tavistock and Okehampton at the western end of Dartmoor. Six fire engines and a “special device” are currently on fire. The big fire is in Mary Tavy, where firefighters are using “beaters” to try to prevent the fire from spreading further. Devon and Cornwall police closed the A386 north of Mary Tavy while emergency services were on duty. According to traffic data from Google Maps and INRIX, there is a serious congestion between Blackdown (Lydford) and Beardon (Mary Tavy). Drivers are urged to avoid the area while diversion routes have been created. There have been several fires in Dartmoor over the past week, as the rainy season (planned and controlled fires to manage swamp vegetation) is set to end on March 31st. Fires during the diving season occur when safety measures, such as fire breaks and natural limits, are enforced and the fire goes out of control. We will bring you updates as we have them below:
