A public safety notice has been issued for the Dartmoor Training Area, confirming scheduled live firing exercises for one of its key ranges. The announcement provides crucial guidance for walkers, residents, and all users of the moor to ensure safety and inform access plans.
Firing Schedule and Affected Areas
The notice specifies that daytime live firing will take place at Willsworthy range on Friday, January 16, 2026. The activity is scheduled strictly during daylight hours, defined as between sunrise and sunset. In a clear directive for public planning, the notice confirms that the neighbouring Okehampton and Merrivale ranges will not be in use on this date.
Furthermore, the schedule confirms a complete cessation of firing across all three ranges for the subsequent weekend. There will be no live firing at Okehampton, Willsworthy, or Merrivale on Saturday, January 17, and Sunday, January 18, 2026. The notice applies to areas in the vicinity of postcode districts EX20 and TQ13.
Critical Safety Information for the Public
Clear visual signals are used to denote when live firing is in progress. Red flags are displayed by day and red lamps by night when exercises are underway. The boundaries of the active range are marked by distinctive red and white poles.
The authorities stress that when these warning signals are visible, the public must not cross the marked range boundary. The flags and lamps are lowered as soon as the live firing ceases. An important rule for daily planning states that if warning signals are not hoisted by 9am between April and September, or by 10am between October and March, then no live firing will occur that day.
The notice also addresses potential confusion, stating that any bangs heard outside of these active periods are likely to be from blank cartridges or fireworks. A vital warning is issued regarding military debris: the public is advised not to touch any such material. Instead, they should note its location and inform the Commandant or the police.
Planning Your Visit and Official Contacts
Individuals with specific concerns, or those who believe they may be adversely impacted by the training activities, are encouraged to seek advice directly from the range authorities before travelling. For all access and safety queries, the official point of contact is: The Commandant, Dartmoor Training Area, Okehampton Camp, Okehampton EX20 1QP, telephone 01837 657 210.
This formal notice has been published on the Public Notice Portal and appeared in the Exeter Express & Echo. The public is reminded that access is only permitted outside the marked range boundaries and to obey all on-site signs, flags, and instructions. For the most current details and any updates, residents and visitors should refer to the full official notice via the Public Notice Portal.
