Wildfire Destroys 12,500 Acres on Dartmoor, Sparks Emergency Response

A massive wildfire scorched approximately 12,500 acres of moorland on Dartmoor in Devon, England, after igniting on Sunday and burning for nearly 24 hours before emergency crews extinguished it on Monday. Authorities advised the public to avoid the Merrivale and Okehampton areas due to the fire's unpredictable behavior, exacerbated by changing weather conditions and strong winds. The incident coincided with the UK's warmest start to May on record, fueling concerns that rising temperatures and dry conditions are increasing wildfire risks. Firefighters, supported by Dartmoor rangers and local Commoners, utilized specialized vehicles, fogging units, leaf blowers, and a drone to control the blaze and protect the environment. The National Fire Chiefs Council reported a sharp rise in wildfires across the UK this year, with 439 incidents since January, compared to significantly fewer in previous years. Officials emphasized Dartmoor's heightened vulnerability and urged visitors to refrain from lighting barbecues or fires.