WEATHER forecasters are warning that the heatwave could mean fire on Dartmoor, putting animals, land and people at risk.
The hot weather means there is an increased danger of wildfires. The Met Office has advised the Fire Severity Index is showing elevated levels in the days ahead with large swathes of Dartmoor showing an increased risk of wildfire conditions.
The index, which is updated daily, assesses how severe a fire could become if one were to start. Values range from 1-5, with 1 representing a ‘low fire severity’ and 5 ‘exceptional fire severity’.
Dartmoor is showing as ‘high’ rising to ‘very high’ at the weekend. People who plan to spend time in the national park are urged to be vigilant to the increased risk of fires. Dartmoor National Park Authority is asking people not to use barbecues or camping stoves, to take extreme care when disposing of cigarettes and matches and to take all litter home when they leave.
In these prolonged dry conditions, the risk of a wildfire starting increases. A wildfire can start rapidly from things like a disposable barbecue at a picnic, a cigarette or a match thrown out of car windows or empty glass bottles left in blazing sunshine.
All can cause catastrophic damage to natural habitats as well as kill animals and endanger other people.
Andrew Watson, head of recreation, access and estates, said: ‘We want people to enjoy Dartmoor and urge them to do as much as they can to prevent a fire breaking out. We’re particularly concerned at the moment because the exceptionally hot and dry weather has made moorland vegetation extremely vulnerable to fire risk. Fires spread very quickly and cause untold damage.
‘Please take care and protect Dartmoor by taking simple steps to reduce the risk of wildfire.’
Signs into the national park are being changed to warn of fire risks and Dartmoor Rangers will be out and about as usual making sure people are keeping safe, enjoying themselves and following the Ranger Code.
The website also has helpful information on preventing moorland fires.