A major incident has been declared after a large heath fire broke out at Holt Heath, near Wimborne, sending thick plumes of smoke across Dorset and prompting a significant emergency response.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews are battling to contain the blaze, which was first reported early this afternoon. Multiple fire appliances and specialist wildfire units are at the scene, supported by partner agencies.
Residents from across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) have reported seeing a towering column of smoke, visible from Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, Bournemouth town centre, and as far afield as Studland.
The service urged members of the public to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed if affected by smoke.
The blaze, measuring approximately 1,000 metres by 800 metres, is being fuelled by strong winds, causing it to spread rapidly. Crews from across Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have been joined by firefighters from Hampshire, Somerset, and Devon in a large-scale response.
Twenty homes close to the fire front have been evacuated as a precaution. Residents in the wider area have been urged to keep doors and windows closed due to heavy smoke drifting across the region, which is visible for miles.
Fire crews from Devizes, Pewsey, Salisbury, Wilton, and Trowbridge are among those at the scene.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Darren Langdown said:
“We have declared a major incident both due to the size of the fire at Holt Heath, and also the impact of this and Newton Heath on our overall availability of resources.
We are extremely grateful to our neighbouring services for the support they are giving us, and I can only praise all of our staff who are working so hard in extremely arduous conditions to bring these fires under control.”
Mr Langdown urged the public to stay away from the area to avoid putting themselves in danger, warning that rapidly changing conditions could cut people off. He also appealed to photographers not to fly drones near the fire, as emergency teams are using aerial drones from Wessex Rescue to direct firefighting efforts.
While the cause of the blaze is unknown, the fire at Newton Heath—still being tackled after starting last Sunday—was believed to have been started deliberately.
With an amber wildfire alert now in force due to the hot weather, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue is urging people to avoid barbecues, open fires, and to dispose of cigarettes responsibly when visiting the countryside.
Anyone spotting a wildfire is urged to call 999 immediately, move to safety, note the location, and meet firefighters at the nearest access point.
