Author: Lesley Webb

Somerset Council Newsletter

Protect Exmoor: Help Prevent Moorland Fires

Please do not discard cigarettes, matches, or smoking materials on the moor. Even a small spark can ignite dry grass, heather, and vegetation, causing serious wildfires that threaten wildlife, livestock, property, and people.

Disposable barbecues, fire pits, campfires, and any open flames should not be used on the moor. Conditions can change quickly, and fires can spread rapidly across open countryside.

You can help keep Exmoor safe by:

• Taking all litter home with you.

• Fully extinguishing and safely disposing of smoking materials.

• Not using barbecues, campfires, or open flames.

• Reporting any signs of fire immediately by calling 999 and asking for the Fire Service.

Discarding cigarettes, lighting campfires, or using disposable BBQs on Exmoor can have serious consequences. If your actions cause a fire, you may face prosecution, substantial fines, and in the most serious cases a prison sentence. Landowners and emergency services may also seek to recover costs where appropriate. Wildfires can destroy wildlife habitats, endanger livestock, damage property, and put lives at risk.

Think before you light it. Dropped cigarettes, disposable BBQs, and open flames can start devastating moorland fires. Those responsible may face prosecution, fines, or imprisonment if their actions cause a wildfire. Help protect Exmoor, its wildlife, and local communities.

The official fire safety guidance for England advises people to properly dispose of cigarettes and only use barbecues in designated areas, as fires on grassland, heathland, and moorland can spread rapidly. 

Enjoy Exmoor responsibly and help protect this special landscape for everyone.

Urgent Road Closure: – ttrnW(WS)-ttro122491-KIER-Lype Steep, Cutcombe

Please be aware that we have received a notification of a TTRN (urgent) road closure at Lype Steep, Cutcombe  which will commence on 3rd August 2026 – 7th August 2026 (00:00 – 23:59) for a total of 5 days. Midday start on 03/08/2026.

This will enable Kier to carry out drainage works on behalf of Somerset Council. 

The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site  is permittedon this occasion.

For any further information about this closure please contact Somerset Council on 0300 123 2224, quoting reference: ttrnW(WS)-ttro122491

Please visit https://one.network/?tm=GB151639141 where you will see the map of the affected area (in red), together with the supplied diversion route (in blue).

Please note: this diversion route could be subject to change on review.
      
With regards
Road Closures Team
Email: ttro@somerset.gov.uk
Traffic Management, Road Safety and Parking Services
Somerset Council
County Hall
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4DY
Web: www.somerset.gov.uk
Travel Somerset – for live travel alerts, roadworks information and winter weather updates on Twitter @TravelSomerset and online 24/7 at Roadworks and travel information