Skip to content

Appeal after three 'deliberate' fires on moorland

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Three firefighters tackling a huge blaze on moorland. It is dark, and there are firefighters walking towards the orange flames. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Devon and Cornwall Police said it was thought the fires may have been started deliberately

Three heathland fires may have been started "deliberately", police have said.

Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police are investigating the three incidents in the West Anstey area of Exmoor, Devon, one which happened on Sunday at about 18:10 BST and two on Monday at about 12:30 and 18:30.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said an area of approximately "80 acres was damaged by fire".

"It is thought that the fires may have been started deliberately," police said.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service A red glow in the distance from the fires on the moorland. There is a firefighter on the left in front of the fire. It is dark but the sky is filled with smoke. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the incident was split into three sectors

Neighbourhood team leader for South Molton, Sgt Robert Brown, said: "We are appealing to anyone who has any information or any dashcam footage from the area around those times that may assist the investigation.

"Members of the public may see a heightened police presence in the area as our enquiries continue.

"If anyone has any information, they can approach our officers or alternatively contact police via our website."

The fire service said the incident was split into three sectors and crews tackled the fire using beaters and pumps.

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].

Related internet links