'Avoid area' warning as grassland fire tackled

20 minutes ago

Zhara SimpsonDevon

News image — Firefighters say they have "sectorised" the scene to prevent the fire from spreading further

David Madge Black smoke and flames coming from grassland. — Firefighters say they have "sectorised" the scene to prevent the fire from spreading further

Fire crews from 20 appliances are tackling an ongoing large grassland fire

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said it received multiple calls reporting the grassfire at about 14:50 BST in Mincinglake Valley Park in Exeter, Devon.

A spokesperson for the service said crews expected the fire would be ongoing for "some time" and the scene had been "sectorised" as part of efforts to prevent it from spreading further.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were also currently at the scene and they were urging members of the public to "avoid the area".

A view of fire-damaged grassland. There are large plumes of smoke coming from the grassland area. — Devon Wildlife Trust said it managed Mincinglake Valley Park on behalf of Exeter City Council

Local residents have been advised to keep windows and doors closed.

"Please avoid the area to allow our crews to work on bringing the fire under control," the fire service said.

Mincinglake Valley Park is managed by Devon Wildlife Trust on behalf of Exeter City Council.

A spokesperson for the trust said it was aware of the "significant fire" and its staff were on site assisting emergency services.

They said: "Our immediate priority is the safety of people and supporting the official response. We ask that people to avoid the area until further notice.

"We understand that people will be concerned about the impact of this incident on this much-loved urban green space.

"It is too early to assess those impacts, but we will do so when the situation is made safe."