One spark could put Devon’s countryside at risk

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-17 18:47 3 min read

Several red fire engines parked on a grassy hillside next to a rural road.

Prepared by the demoduck.co.uk editorial team from Devon County Council guidance published on 14 August 2026.

Devon’s hot, dry summer has increased the danger of wildfires after bringing some of the hottest days on record. Most UK wildfires are linked to human activity, and a discarded cigarette, glass bottle or unattended fire can threaten habitats, homes and infrastructure.

The guidance applies to residents as well as people visiting parks, moorland, woodland and other open spaces. Avoid lighting fires and pay attention to local signs. Access restrictions may be introduced during periods of heightened risk, so be prepared to change your plans rather than entering a restricted area.

Preventing a spark from becoming a wildfire

Dry vegetation can allow a small flame to spread quickly. Devon County Council is asking residents and visitors to take these precautions:

Do not light fires in the countryside, parks, wooded areas or other open spaces.
Use barbecues only in designated places where they are permitted. Never leave one unattended, and make sure the barbecue and its ashes are completely cold before disposal.
Stub out smoking materials fully and dispose of them carefully. Never throw cigarette ends from a vehicle.
Take all rubbish home, particularly glass bottles that could focus sunlight and start a fire.
Follow local guidance, warning signs and any temporary access restrictions.

These precautions remain relevant even when no fire is visible: the aim is to remove avoidable ignition sources before a small spark reaches dry vegetation. Anyone planning a countryside visit should also make sure others in their group understand that campfires and barbecues are not automatically permitted simply because an area appears open.

The risks are not confined to Devon. Similar moorland wildfire precautions in North Yorkshire also focus on cigarettes, glass, barbecues and campfires.

Move away before reporting an outdoor fire

Do not approach the flames or try to tackle the fire yourself. Move to a safe location first, away from the fire, and keep routes into the affected area clear for the emergency response.

Once safe:

Call 999 immediately, even if you think another person may have reported the fire.
Give the emergency operator as much detail as possible about the location and what you can see.
Wait at a safe, agreed place if emergency services ask you to provide further information.
Do not travel towards the wildfire, as additional traffic could delay the response.

Follow evacuation and shelter instructions

Residents should follow every instruction issued by emergency services or local authorities. Depending on the circumstances, people may be told to evacuate or to remain indoors with their windows closed. These directions may differ according to the location and behaviour of the fire, so follow the instructions given for your area rather than approaching the scene to assess it yourself.

Source: Devon County Council News

Context & actions About this article

Source check How this guide was checked

The prevention and emergency steps were checked against the supplied Devon County Council safety notice.

Checks

Confirmed the notice’s publication date and heightened summer-risk context.
Retained the council’s restrictions covering fires, barbecues, cigarettes and glass litter...
Preserved the instruction to move to safety and call 999 immediately.
Kept the official warning not to tackle or travel towards a wildfire.

Devon County Council News Check wider coverage