Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJames C. ReynoldsTuesday 11 August 2026 22:36 BSTRelated: Crews tackle huge wildfire in drought-hit WalesFire crews rushed to tackle a major grass fire at Mincinglake Valley Park in Exeter on Tuesday afternoon.Local residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.Multiple fire engines were also called to separate blazes in Cranbrook near Exeter airport affecting conifer trees and crops.The incidents occurred as nearly three-quarters of England was placed in drought status following the driest July in 190 years.High temperatures of up to 36C and further dry weather are forecast, with August seeing just five per cent of its expected rainfall so far.In fullLarge fire breaks out in Exeter park sending smoke across cityMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in