OVER recent months Devon and Cornwall has suffered from several incidents of wildfire particularly on the moorland areas of Bodmin Moor, Dartmoor, Exmoor and other open spaces across the force area.

The fire service have provided further information ahead of the increased risk of wildfires across the region this summer.

A ‘Yellow Warning’ has been issued by the Natural Hazards Partnership that covers the next five days. The Met Office’s fire severity index rises to ‘high’ tomorrow (Thursday, April1).

A spokesperson said: “We are returning to drier conditions as we move into April.

“Most of the south west, south and south east of England will be under a yellow wildfire alert for most of this coming week. This remains the case for the Easter bank holiday weekend. Some ignition’s are likely, resulting in difficult to control wildfires.”

Along with the warm temperatures and dry conditions the peak is likely to be Thursday/Friday and over the weekend after several dry days and with a possible influx of visitors.

The Devon and Cornwall Police’s rural affairs team would ask all to recognise this wildfire risk and ask that the public help them protect the countryside, wildlife and livestock. They ask that people reduce ignitions with responsible visits to open spaces, avoid activities such as outdoor BBQ’s and debris burning and for people to be alert to other sources of ignition such as vehicles and discarded cigarettes. 

The spokesperson added: “Please be alert to suspicious vehicles or individuals that may be responsible for a wildfire and report them.”

To report an incident call 999 in an emergency or email [email protected] for a non-emergency

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.