MULTIPLE fire crews were called on Friday evening (March) to three more possible nighttime arson attacks on the edge of Exmoor.

Three areas of Anstey Rhiney Moor, between Dulverton and South Molton, were found to be ablaze at about 8.45 pm.

The incidents come after Devon and Cornwall Police warned at the end of December that a pyromaniac was at work following six heathland wildfires in the area between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Five were in the West Anstey Common area, and one occurred on Meldon Common, near Chagford, Devon.

Both areas had also been targeted earlier in 2025 with a series of four fires breaking out in just one week.

Friday’s incident saw multiple 999 calls to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue (DSFR) with control room staff despatching firefighters from Dulverton, South Molton, and Bampton, together with a supporting officer.

The crews found one of the fires had a front stretching nearly 330 feet (100 metres) across the moorland, while two smaller blazes had each engulfed an area of about 1,000 sq ft (92 sq m).

All three blazes were put out using beaters and hose reel jets, after which the crews checked the area for any potential hotspots.

A DSFR spokesperson said: “As we experience drier spring and summers together with hotter temperatures, this can bring the added threat of wildfires.

“Wildfires are very dangerous, spreading fast, changing direction, and threatening wildlife, livestock, domestic animals, the environment, property, and people.

“Many wildfires are started deliberately or are due to careless, reckless, or irresponsible behaviour.

“If you see or suspect somebody of acting suspiciously, recklessly, or irresponsibly in the countryside, contact the police on 101 or pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Always report anybody acting irresponsibly or carelessly with fire in the countryside.”