Serious fire forces carriageway closure in Devon

BBC Published Aug 17, 2026 Reviewed Aug 18, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service reported that the fire affected a field measuring approximately 50 meters by 20 meters, and the central reservation fire measured about 100 meters in length.

50 m · field width20 m · field height100 m · central reservation length Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS), service

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service deployed three crews using fire beaters and two hose reel jets to fight the fire.

3 · crews2 · hose reel jets Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS), service

A major road has been closed because of a serious fire and smoke which has spread to the central reservation and a nearby field.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) said the A38 eastbound has been closed between East Rattery and Lower Dean on Dartmoor in Devon, with three crews using fire beaters and two hose reel jets.

DSFRS was called just after 14:30 BST to the fire which started on the side of the eastbound carriageway.

The service said: "Around 50m x 20m (164ft x 65 ft) of field is affected, with the fire in the central reservation measuring around 100m (325ft) in length."

Devon and Cornwall Police said smoke was blowing across the road from the B3380 at Lower Dean and Dean to the A384 Dartbridge Junction at Buckfast, and there was traffic congestion to the Marley Head Junction.

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