Firefighters have battled a massive beauty spot wildfire caused by Britain’s driest spring.
Crews from 13 stations were deployed to the blaze which was two miles long by a mile wide.
Wildlife support officers and a police helicopter also attended.
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The huge fire started on Sunday evening and was still ablaze on Monday.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the inferno had spread across the Dartmoor Forest area near Cut Hill, Devon.
The fire service said at midnight on Sunday a further five appliances were mobilised from Moretonhampstead and Yelverton as part of a relief strategy.
Yesterday (5 May) they asked people to avoid the area and any properties affected by the smoke should close their windows.
Britain had an exceptionally dry March and April leading to record numbers of wildfires.
England and Wales experienced their driest March since at least 1961, as reported by Need To Know.
April also saw the sunniest conditions on record contributing to the prolonged dry spell.
A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Crews are carrying out a watching brief from two strategic locations surrounding the fire.
“The wind is currently blowing against the fire, preventing it from spreading quickly.
“Crews have confirmed the fire is still burning and in the predicted direction
“The 4×4 from Princetown has been re-mobilised to assist with access on the moor.
“Following a multi-agency meeting being held, 2 ATV’s from Tavistock and Bovey Tracey have also been remobilised to access and extinguish the fire.”
It added the cause of the fire was currently unknown.
But on Monday s spokesperson for Dartmoor National Park said the dry spring was probably a factor.
They added: “Teams are currently working hard to tackle a large wildfire on central Dartmoor.
“”The Dartmoor National Park Ranger Team are supporting the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and the Dartmoor Commoners to fight the fire.
“Please stay safe and keep your distance
“The ongoing spell of dry weather has left Dartmoor highly vulnerable to fire.
“If you’re out and about enjoying Dartmoor this Bank Holiday weekend, please do so responsibly and opt for picnics instead of BBQs and warm layers instead of fires.”
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