The fire at the popular Dartmoor site, downstream of Fingle Bridge, began on the bracken-covered slopes above the valley’s woodland, on Wednesday.

Firefighters from Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service rapidly attended the scene on Wednesday and brought the fire under control. No injuries were reported but birds, butterflies, small mammals and other wildlife were at risk.

One of the UK’s most threatened butterflies, the pearl-bordered fritillary, thrives among the bracken at this Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Ground-nesting birds would have been feeding their young in the area affected by the fire, while a nationally rare flowering plant, toadflax-leaved St John’s wort, is found here too.

The reserve is also home to a very successful nest-box scheme for pied flycatchers, an African migrant bird that breeds in Devon’s oak woods.

Wildfires at this time of year put both adults and juveniles of many species at risk.

Moorland and heathland habitats are particularly susceptible to wildfires during sunny, dry weather. But the risk can be lessened if visitors pack a responsible attitude alongside their snacks and suncream.

In 2011, a large wildfire destroyed a third of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Upton Heath nature reserve near Wareham killing many rare plants and animals. It’s estimated that it can take up to ten years before habitats and their wildlife are able to recover.

Devon is in the middle of a dry spell which has left parts of the countryside vulnerable to wildfires. With the weather forecast for June predicting very little rain Devon Wildlife Trust has become concerned enough about the risk affecting many of its 59 nature reserves that it has issued a message about safe and responsible use of rural areas.

When visiting woods, heaths, moors and meadows, fire risk can be reduced by:

• Packing a picnic, not a barbecue – an open fire is the biggest fire risk in the countryside during dry weather
• Extinguishing cigarettes or matches and never throwing them onto the ground
• Taking litter home: glass bottles can magnify the sun’s rays and cans can reflect the light, both causing hotspots which can start fires
• Dialling 999 immediately if you spot smoke or flames, and making sure you are safe.

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Nature Reserves Team Leader Ed Hopkinson said:

“Thankfully this fire was spotted and extinguished by the quick action of emergency services but this is a timely reminder that our precious countryside is at greater risk from wildfires as a result of climate change.

“It can take many years for a site to recover and the loss of wildlife can be devastating. We are asking everyone enjoying the great outdoors to take extra care and to follow the advice given above.”