High fire danger warning issued for Dartmoor

The risk of fire on Dartmoor is "very high" on Saturday, said authorities

People are being urged to take care on Dartmoor at the weekend due to heightened fire danger.

The Fire Severity Index showed the risk of fire rising from "high" to "very high" on Saturday.

Tens of thousands of people are set to converge on Dartmoor later to take part in the 63rd Ten Tors challenge.

Fire crews and rangers battled a blaze spanning 1,232 acres of central Dartmoor last weekend.

Crews battled a large blaze on Dartmoor last week

The Dartmoor National Park Authority said the index also showed large swathes of the moor would also be on "high" alert on Sunday.

Simon Lee, Dartmoor National Park's head ranger, said: "We're asking everyone to stay safe and respect Dartmoor.

"Leaving barbecues at home, disposing of glass bottles and cigarettes responsibly and taking all litter home are simple actions but will help prevent the risk of a fire breaking out."

The authority reminded visitors on the moor to respect by-laws by not lighting open fires and follow all advisory notices and warning signs.

It said robust contingency plans were in place for Ten Tors - including "weather monitoring and preparation and all routes avoiding rare bird nesting areas".