Thank you to everyone who reported the fire that broke out at around 2.47pm on 11th August at Mincinglake Valley Park in Exeter. The park is managed by Devon Wildlife Trust on behalf of Exeter City Council. We are very grateful for the quick response of the emergency services, who worked hard to bring the fire under control. We also appreciate the efforts of Devon Wildlife Trust staff, who stayed on site to support the emergency services.
We are asking the public to stay away from the site for now and to remain alert, as the risk of wildfires is still very high.
The fire is believed to have affected around 50 acres of habitat, and Trust staff think it likely damaged fencing and other site infrastructure. No livestock was on site at the time of the fire, and no housing was damaged.
Mincinglake Valley Park is home to a range of common and less common wildlife, including many plants, songbirds, field voles, butterflies and moths. Matt Boydell, Devon Wildlife Trust Land Manager, has been on site and described the damage as “extensive”. Over the coming days and weeks, the Reserves Team will assess the impact and look at ways to support wildlife’s recovery.
At its height, 20 fire appliances, a water bowser and other specialist equipment attended the scene, which was categorised as a major incident by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. This morning, 12th August, fire crews are on site monitoring the situation and damping down any hot spots.
You can help protect wildlife from wildfires by taking extra care when visiting nature reserves and other wild places. Donations also support the Trust’s work to care for and restore habitats and protect the wildlife that depends on them.
On Friday evening, 7th August, a separate wildfire broke out at Barley Valley Park in Exeter.
Fire at Mincinglake Valley Park