Major incident declared as massive gorse fire breaks out on Dartmoor
Ten fire engines are on the scene and drivers are urged to avoid the area
Last updated 22nd Mar 2022
A major incident has been declared after a massive gorse fire broke out on Dartmoor.
The A386 was closed between Roborough and Yelverton on Tuesday afternoon (22nd March).
At its height ten fire engines were on the scene and hose reel jets were being used to tackle the flames.
People were being urged to stay away from the scene and smoke could be seen billowing into the air.
Everyone had to leave the Dartmoor Diner at Roborough Down.
Restaurant supervisor Emily told us emergency services were stationed in their car park.
She said: "We've completely evacuated, the police told all the customers that they had to leave immediately and then also that staff need to leave immediately. So we haven't cleaned up anything we've kind of just dropped everything, turned all the gases off and everything like that and left."
Devon County Council tweeted: "This has now been declared a major incident.
"We have received reports of a gorse fire along the A386 between Roborough and Yelverton. Smoke may impact of your driving due to reduced visibility, the A386 will be closed and diversion established.
"Avoid the area, expect delays."
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service said: "We are attending a gorse fire on Dartmoor from Clearbrook towards the A386 near Yelverton.
"Crews are tackling the fire on several fronts using beaters and hose reel jets to prevent it escalating. There are ten fire appliances plus special appliances at the scene.
"The A386 has been closed."
It has now been confirmed that the road has reopened and the incident is scaling back.
Inrix Traffic and Travel says: "A386 in both directions re-opened, traffic returned to normal, earlier fire at gorse and smoke no longer blowing across the road between Crapstone Road (Yelverton) and New Road (Roborough).
"The road has been closed since 13:00. Affecting traffic between Yelverton and Plymouth."