A major incident has been declared in Dorset as around 100 firefighters battle a large heath fire at Holt Heath, near Wimborne. The blaze, measuring approximately 1,000 metres by 800 metres, is spreading rapidly due to windy conditions, prompting the evacuation of 20 nearby homes as a precaution.
Crews from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, along with support from Hampshire & Isle of Wight and Devon and Somerset fire services, are at the scene. Local residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed due to smoke, which is visible from several miles away.
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.” He urged the public to stay away from the area and warned against flying drones near the fire, as they interfere with firefighting operations.
Meanwhile, a separate heath fire at Newton Heath, near Swanage, has been burning since last Sunday, affecting 21 hectares. That fire is believed to have been started deliberately, while the cause of the Holt Heath fire remains unknown.
An amber wildfire alert has been issued for the coming days. The fire service has advised: “Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.”
