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Huge fire breaks out on Dartmoor

VIDEO: Blaze can be seen for miles

A huge fire is currently burning across an area of moorland on Dartmoor.

The blaze, estimated to be about 5km wide and spreading, can be seen from Plymouth.

Firefighters across Devon rushed to tackle the fire, but the severe weather conditions are proving problematic. The strong winds and low visibility has made it 'extremely dangerous' for the firefighters to deal with.

Here's the latest update from Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service, published on Thursday evening around 11pm: "The weather is making conditions for firefighting extremely dangerous, so we’re maintaining our presence but fighting in defensive mode, which means we’re working to stop the fire from getting worse until conditions improve for us to do more.

"We’ve assessed the situation and there is currently no risk to life in the path of the fire. We will continue to monitor the spread of the fire with spotters and a drone and change our tactics if needed."

The fire service has also asked members of the public to avoid the area, emphasising that the journey isn't essential. "We’re aware that some people have arrived nearby to get a glimpse/photo of the fire. This is extremely dangerous and certainly not an essential journey! Please stay away from the area for your own safety."

The video report is here is from BBC Spotlight

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