Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service sent 20 fire engines to Mincinglake Valley Park in Exeter after a large wildfire broke out shortly before 3pm on Tuesday, August 11. Residents in Exeter were told to keep doors and windows closed while crews worked at the scene.
The blaze started in Mincinglake Valley Park in Exeter and spread across multiple areas of the park on Tuesday afternoon. Huge smoke clouds were seen across Exeter, and people were asked to avoid the area while firefighters responded.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
The service said it had received multiple calls about a grassfire with multiple seats in Mincinglake Valley Park in Exeter. During the incident, it said 16 appliances, a water bowser, and other specialist equipment were in attendance, with four additional appliances en route.
The incident had been sectorised, and crews were working to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading any further. That left the response centered on containing the blaze while limiting smoke and access near the park.
Exeter smoke cloud
The smoke was visible across Exeter as the fire developed on Tuesday afternoon. For residents nearby, the practical instruction was direct: stay inside with doors and windows closed, and keep away from Mincinglake Valley Park.
Devon Wildlife Trust said it was aware of the fire at Mincinglake Valley Park. It said its immediate priority was the safety of people at the site and supporting the official response.
Mincinglake Valley Park
What caused the fire in Mincinglake Valley Park is not explained, and the report does not say when the fire will be fully contained. For now, the useful detail for anyone in Exeter is simple: the park was still the focus of a large response, and the instructions were to avoid the area and keep homes closed off from the smoke.
