Large fire breaks out on Dartmoor near Tavistock and rages through the night

A large fire has broken out and continued to rage overnight on Dartmoor in Devon.

Crews said the blaze by Tavy Cleave, near Tavistock, had “no significant fire spread” by 6.30am on Friday.

Firefighters were maintaining a watching brief “from various vantage points”.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has deployed five pumps and other units but struggled to tackle the fire due to its location.

Pictures on social media showed a large stretching blaze which has illuminated the night sky.

The fire is thought to be on a remote stretch of the moorland and no residents or animals have been injured, according to reports.

Images on social media showing a large section of the moorland ablaze.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our crews are currently at Peter Tavy but we haven’t actually accessed the fire yet.

“We have five pumps and various special appliances.”

The service warned people to “avoid the area”.