POLICE are hunting an arsonist on the Exmoor-Devon border after firefighters attended six wildfires which were started deliberately since Christmas Day.

A period of exceptionally dry and windy weather contributed to the spread of five uncontrolled wildfires on the edge of Exmoor in the West Anstey Common area, and one in Devon at Meldon Common, Chagford.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue (DSFR) spokesperson said both locations had been targets for arson attacks and other unwanted behaviour during 2025.

Devon and Cornwall Constabulary’s PC Julian Fry said: “The deliberate setting of unauthorised fires in our public open spaces is a criminal offence that destroys wildlife habitats, threatens historic sites, and puts lives at risk.

“In its most basic form, arson is criminal damage by fire which can lead to a fine, a community order, or a prison sentence.

“Arson is always treated seriously by police and the courts and with very good reason.

“The most severe cases, where a person’s reckless behaviour has caused life to be endangered, can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.”

DSFR’s Ian Donovan said: “During the swaling period of 2025, we saw a substantial increase in incidents where individuals deliberately started fires and left them unattended.

“This is a situation that we do not want duplicated in 2026.

“This activity is illegal and both fire and police agree that these activities must stop.

“Where these activities are deemed to be suspicious, and the fires have been deliberately ignited, the police will take positive action against those involved.

“These uncontrolled fires require multiple appliances to attend and therefore prevent the resources from attending more pressing emergencies where lives may be at risk.”

Mr Donovan said to report a crime, people should call 101 for non-emergencies or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, but 999 should be used to report fires.