New all-terrain vehicles to help fight moor fires

The ATVs will help firefighters reach remote parts of Dartmoor

A new fleet of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) will be used to help tackle fires on Dartmoor.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the ATVs would allow crews to reach remote parts of the national park without damaging the fragile landscape.

The eight-wheel-drive vehicles are fitted with special low impact tires, the service said.

Watch manager Chris Boston said: "It means we can do first attack for wildfires with greater capabilities and reduced resources."

'Keep communities safer'

Mr Boston said the service usually deploys between four and eight fire engines when dealing with wildfires on the moor, costing up to £360 per hour to run.

"With the ATV, we can keep communities safer by keeping those appliances in the communities where they belong," he said.

"The ATV can pretty much go through most things, over most things, and towing the trailer with 200 litres of water in it, it's a win-win."

The service said most fires on the moor were accidental but avoidable.

Mr Boston pleaded with people who visit Dartmoor "to be a bit more cautious".

"Take your rubbish home, don't leave glass around, don't leave discarded cigarettes, don't use barbeques, bring a sandwich," he said.