Devon Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to take care after several large fires on common land. Fire crews have tackled the blazes at Weeke Down, near Chagford, and Princetown as well as many other sites countywide. Many of the fires have been caused by carelessly discarded cigarettes, camp fires, broken glass and discarded bottles as well as malicious ignition. Keith Pascoe, the service's arson reduction officer, said: 'Apart from the drain on fire service resources to deal with these fires, the additional damage to the environment and wildlife can potentially be immense. 'People should make sure their cigarettes are properly extinguished and never light fires in moorland areas.' Mr Pascoe also warned that fires could put lives at risk and said: 'A gorse fire can travel faster than you can run, so if you do see a fire get well away and call the fire service.'
